San Pedro prison, La Paz

#33 among attractions in La Paz

Prison

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Facts and practical information

San Pedro prison or El penal de San Pedro is the largest prison in La Paz, Bolivia and is renowned for being a society within itself. Significantly different from most correctional facilities, inmates at San Pedro have jobs inside the community, buy or rent their accommodation, and often live with their families. The sale of cocaine base to visiting tourists gives those inside a significant income and an unusual amount of freedom within the prison walls. Elected leaders enforce the laws of the community, commonly through stabbing. The prison is home to nearly 3,000 inmates, with additional guests staying in the prison hotel. ()

Local name: Prisión de San Pedro Coordinates: 16°30'11"S, 68°8'4"W

Address

La Paz Bolivia

Contact

+591 75827162

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La Paz

Day trips

San Pedro prison – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Estadio Hernando Siles, Plaza Murillo, San Francisco Church, Museo San Francisco.

0.8 miE
Football, Sport, Arenas and stadiums
Estadio Hernando Siles, La Paz
21 min walk • Perched at an altitude of 3,637 meters above sea level in the city of La Paz, Bolivia, Estadio Hernando Siles stands as one of the most iconic sport venues in South America. This colossal stadium, with a capacity to hold approximately 41,000 spectators, is the highest...
0.5 miN
Major square with landmark buildings
Plaza Murillo, La Paz
14 min walk • Plaza Murillo, the central square in the heart of La Paz, Bolivia, is a hub of political and cultural activity. Surrounded by significant historical buildings, including the Presidential Palace, the National Congress of Bolivia, and the Cathedral of La Paz, the plaza...
0.5 miNW
Landmark 1700s church with rooftop views
San Francisco Church, La Paz
13 min walk • Nestled in the heart of La Paz, Bolivia, the San Francisco Church stands as a testament to the rich history and architectural grandeur of the city. This colonial church, which dates back to the 16th century, is not only a place of worship but also an iconic cultural...
0.5 miN
Museum
Museo San Francisco, La Paz
14 min walk • Nestled in the heart of La Paz, Bolivia, the Museo San Francisco is a cultural gem that offers visitors a deep dive into the religious, artistic, and historical traditions of the region. This museum, housed within the San Francisco Convent, stands as a testament to the...
0.5 miN
Church
Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, La Paz
12 min walk • Nestled in the heart of La Paz, Bolivia, the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace stands as a serene sanctuary and a magnificent example of spiritual architecture. This historic church not only serves as the seat of the Roman Catholic Church in La Paz but also as a...
~1790 ftN
City hall
Palacio Quemado, La Paz
9 min walk • In the heart of La Paz, Bolivia, stands the imposing Palacio Quemado, a significant landmark that serves as the city hall. This historic building, whose name translates to "Burnt Palace," has been a pivotal site for Bolivian politics and governance.
0.5 miNW
Museum, Specialty museum
Coca Museum, La Paz
12 min walk • Nestled in the heart of La Paz, Bolivia, lies the fascinating Coca Museum, a unique institution dedicated to the historical and cultural significance of the coca leaf. This modest yet informative museum offers visitors an in-depth look at the multifaceted role that the...
0.7 miSE
Park, Playground
Plaza Abaroa, La Paz
19 min walk • Nestled in the bustling heart of La Paz, Bolivia, Plaza Abaroa is a verdant oasis offering respite from the urban hustle. This serene park is named after the Bolivian war hero Eduardo Abaroa who fought in the War of the Pacific.
1 miW
Shopping, Market
The Witches' Market, La Paz
26 min walk • The Witches' Market, also known as Mercado de las Brujas, is a unique and mysterious place in the heart of La Paz, Bolivia. It is an extraordinary bazaar where Andean culture mixes with the mystical practices of shamans.
1.1 miW
Aerial tramway
Mi Teleférico, La Paz
27 min walk • Mi Teleférico, also known as Teleférico La Paz–El Alto, is an aerial cable car urban transit system serving the La Paz–El Alto metropolitan area in Bolivia. As of October 2019, the system consists of 26 stations along ten lines: Red, Yellow, Green, Blue, Orange, White, Sky Blue, Purple, Brown, and Silver.
0.5 miN
Square
Plaza San Francisco, La Paz
13 min walk • Plaza San Francisco a major urban plaza in the city of La Paz, Bolivia, and a frequent location for political gatherings and protests.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which popular attractions are close to San Pedro prison?

Nearby attractions include Museum of Contemporary Art, La Paz (4 min walk), Public Library, La Paz (6 min walk), Tiwanaku Museum, La Paz (7 min walk), Higher University of San Andrés, La Paz (9 min walk).

How to get to San Pedro prison by public transport?

The nearest stations to San Pedro prison:

Bus

Trufi 408 San Pedro - Ciudad Satélite (3 min walk)
Parada a Pinaya (9 min walk)