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How to end up in a La Paz prison (tour)
On my recent trip to Peru, an Australian who I was hiking the Inca trail with introduced me to the infamous San Pedro prison in downtown La Paz, Bolivia. For the uninitiated, this is a one-of-a-kind place--and the inspiration for the Panamanian prison on Fox Network's Prison Break--where the prisoners are the ones running the show.That's because there are no guards inside the compound. Seems like the worst place to go for a tour, you would think. Turns out it's one of the most coveted destinations in South America, though also one of the hardest to crack.
My friend Matt the Australian was there a few months ago, and ended up running out of time before he could arrange all the details. I'm hoping you'll have better luck. Here's how you do it.
First, don't utter the words "tourist" or "tour." And don't bother hanging around the prison hoping to find a tour guide. That's the easiest way to get scammed. What you'll have to do is call the public phone in the prison (2324033), and tell them you want one of the prisoners to show you around (ask for George Redcloud if you can only speak English). Thursdays and Sundays are the usual visiting days, though bribing the guards (your "tour guide" will handle that) could mean visiting any morning.
On the day of your trip, don't bring any valuables (duh), including a camera, and expect to pay 50-80 bolivars. As if you need to be psyched up even more, here's a cool photo gallery of the place and here's the bestseller, Marching Powder, that was written from the inside. Have fun!
Filed under: Bolivia
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Dan Mar 11th 2009 8:19PM
Hey. Me and a friend are heading to SthAm in Jun. We really want to do this thing. What advice aside from no valuables do you have. By the time we get to Bolivia we'll be looking pretty rough and unshaven ive heard this helps distract attention. Judging by the photos its looks relativity harmless but looks can be deceiving.
Would love some more info if possible.
Ta
the candy trail ... Mar 20th 2009 10:19PM
More Info:
I was there in 2002 ... worth doing: a crazy, intense experience. Read my first-hand account ...
http://www.thecandytrail.com/blog/2002/06/24/prison-visit-la-paz-bolivia/
Regards - the candy trail ...
joseph Dec 12th 2009 3:25PM
I have written to an inmate in chonchoro prison la paz but did not recieve a reply and now belive the guards did not give my letter to the person .Does anyone know how I can get a letter to him ?.
joseph
lsopocachisan pedro is my hood Feb 8th 2010 8:01PM
1st off your an idiot..too bad you didn't get turned into someones bitch there.
It's like your excited to go to a 3rd world jail...! dude there so many better places to go. I just don't understand you.
amir jirbandey Mar 7th 2010 8:51AM
thanks a lot for this information. Ill hopefully be there in a month time so I'll write how it turned out.
carrollredd1 Jan 23rd 2008 10:21PM
WHO IN THIER RIGHT MIND WOULD WANT TO GO INTO A PRISON TO SEE PEOPLE SUFFER
Michael Jan 23rd 2008 5:51AM
I posted the above information in my blog in 2003 (and Boot'N'All in 2006)..... George is now released from prison, so simply ask for a English Speaking Prisoner. My original post is at http://www.irish-guy.com/2003_05_07_archive.html
Try and Skype the telephone number (add Bolivian/la Paz telephone codes) to confirm number or ask the prisoner guards when your there.
Mike