There is an opinion that Bolivia is one of the poorest countries in the Southern Hemisphere. But at the same time, it remains surprising that the crime rate is rather low. However, even more astonishment among tourists is caused by some organizational aspects of the penitentiary service. Interested? This article is intended to introduce you to an institution that has a special status, but at the same time destroys all stereotypes about the life of prisoners. It's about the prison of San Pedro in Bolivia.
general information
It would seem, how can you compare two so different things - tourism and the operating prison? But in Bolivia this became possible, and absolutely without the influence and direct intention of the authorities. Throughout the world, San Pedro is known as the most humane prison in the world. And, what is characteristic, here full democracy reigns, though in a somewhat unusual form.
So, what is so special about this prison? Looking through the photo of San Pedro, you never will think that they have a regime object on them. However, what can I say with my soul - the regime there really is not. Moreover - the guards here are guarded only by external borders. All internal organization and provision are exclusively for prisoners.
The administration here is absent in principle, even the exact statistics of the prisoners do not. According to official data, the prison is designed for 400 convicts, but in fact there are about 1500 people here. What is characteristic is that most of them are just waiting to hear their criminal case in court. Structurally, the institution is divided into 8 sectors, the gradation of which depends on the gravity of the crime. Prisoners among themselves elect a kind of council, which includes five "deputies" and one elder, authorized to communicate with the guard. All norms and foundations of everyday life in San Pedro are established by voting.
Another interesting and unique feature of the prison is that together with the prisoners their families live. In some ways, it goes cheaper than life in the city, and at the same time, family life is somewhat tempered and diluted by the men's team. In view of such a diverse population in San Pedro, you can find cafes, shops, kindergartens, a temple, and ordinary houses.
Staying in prison is not free. At the expense of the state, 400 g of bread or corn porridge will be given here, but otherwise the prisoners must provide for themselves. Including paying for housing. So it turns out that the prison of San Pedro in Bolivia - this is the usual quarter in the city, just surrounded by a high fence and barbed wire.
Tourist infrastructure
If you as a tourist wondered "Where is the prison of San Pedro?", Then do not bother yourself with grueling searches. The institution is located on the outskirts of La Paz . This city confidently considers itself a leader in terms of visiting tourists, so an interesting phenomenon, like the most humane prison in the world, was also adapted for tourist infrastructure. However, it is not entirely legal.
Officially, tourist excursions to San Pedro are forbidden, but everyone closes their eyes. The entrance fee is paid, part goes to the general treasury of prisoners, some to jailers. The guard at the entrance places special seals on the visitor's visitors, so that they can leave this place without hindrance, and registers them in the visit log. Prisoners for a fee with pleasure and some ecstasy conduct excursions through the territory of the facility, telling about the life, customs and traditions of the prison. The cost of such an excursion varies from 5 to 10 dollars, and directly depends on the nationality of the tourist. With US citizens, money is required most.
Inside the walls of San Pedro there is no state tax system, so everything is much cheaper here. What, in fact, and use cunning tourists - lunch at a local cafe will cost for your wallet at times less expenditure than in the city. Tourists are obliged to finish the examination of the prison until 18:00, otherwise difficulties may arise with access to the "free" territory.
There is an opinion that most of the tourists strive to visit San Pedro is not for the sake of impressions. In any case, it should be remembered that any action with cocaine will lead to the fact that a tourist can be in this very prison no longer as a guest, but as a permanent inhabitant.
How to get to San Pedro?
Getting to the San Pedro prison in La Paz is easiest by bus, the nearest stop is Plaza Camacho. Then you have to walk several blocks. But for greater convenience it is always possible to rent a taxi.
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