I read a book last year about an unusual prison which I think was in Bolivia. Apparently it was possible to visit the prison and even stay overnight. The writer said that the prison was mentioned in one of the Lonely Planet Guidebooks. Does anyone know the name of the book?
1
jt_
Marching Powder, the jail is in La Paz, San Pedro Prison i belive is the name, alot of conflicting reports, i wanst allowed in when i tried but who knows it Bolivia maybe with the right kind of money you never know
3
bickerss
Heard it was closed now for visits (not certain) if you go to Quito you can visit the prison here. It was an interesting place.
5
esterosdelibera
Previous post:
Go to jail...Do not pass go do not collect $200.
Just went to jail... that is San Pedro Jail in La Paz Bolivia (the one from Marching Powder book).
It was an experience, really recomend it!
Tourist are no longer allowed in, since the riots in 2003, they have finished all tours but it is accessible.
Here goes...
Earlier blog on this branch showed me the phone number from inside the prison itself, and two South African prisoners Kenneth Meintsie and Stuart Winston Serra (full names are better to use) who have been incarcerated there for over 18 and 20 months inclusive.
I called the prison (and you need to ask for them in Spanish as other inmates answer the phone) on 213-0415 or 213-0416 or 232-4025 and then one of them will get the phone, they speak English (hardly any Spanish) and basically I asked if I could visit them despite the fact I am not bolivian, Kenneth asked me to call back at a specific time and when I did, he informed me that I was able to get in but it was going to cost me 50 bolivianos (pesos) - we organised a time to meet, he said he would wait for me and so I went. Damn scary to tell the truth as police are everywhere and as soon as you walk in the doors people are yelling in spanish to find who you want, junkie looking dudes at the gate just staring and I could not see a South African anywhere. But thankfully that section of the jail is the poorer quater and I got ushered to the left side (after bag searched) and Kenneth was behind a steel door, he asked for my entrance (no money to police - Kenneth takes care of that) I got in and we went to his room.
Met Stuart, and his roommates and basically sat down in a comfty sofa and got to chatting. They showed me around, watched some young kids play soccer, had coffee in the "pool table social" room with all the other inmates as a young women was frying eggs at the other end of the room.
I informed Kenneth & Stuart I wanted to let other people know and they were really keen so here is their info:
1. Names to ask for Kenneth Meintsie and Stuart Winston Sierra both South Africans
2. Phone in the prison is 213-0415 or 213-0416 or 232-4025 pretty sure country code is 591 and city code is 2 but check
3. Best days to get in is OUTSIDE official visiting days (so not too many people around) on Mon, Wed, Fri and Sat
4. Call Kenneth or Stuart first so they can organise for you to get in
5. Life is still tough inside guys so donations are really appreciated, Stuart longs for Pipe tobacco (really!) and if you can buy toiletries, shampoos, medication, shaving products and also fresh vegies and fruits, rice and other long lasting products too as they do not have family to bring them vegies.
6. Bag of toiletries and food I brought in got searched but I did not, good to look low key but got a camera in, might need to leave your passport with the police.
7. An alternative to getting in is getting a letter of permission from the Minister of Prisons, and that letter authorises you to stay longer and police have no say.
8. Donations are very much appreciated from the guys (money) as they are now saving to get Stuart out first but it is expensive, once your in there, you realise you can leave and they cannot, think about it.
Anyone out there, GO! Good luck and please let me know how it goes!!
Have fun and hope this info helps.
Reposted by:
Jorge Daniel Barchi.
Buenos Aires.
6
esterosdelibera
February 2007 report:
* My friend and I visited San Pedro prison when in Bolivia the other week. It was an eye opening experience. It is not as easy to get in these days, (we were their second visitors this year) so they guys do not get as many visitors as they used to. After asking the prisoners first if they would appreciate more visitors, a resounding YES! and a specific request to tell others has led me to posting the details. If you have the time to visit when in La Paz, and have a genuine interest in speaking to the foreign prisoners, enter the links below:
Prison break (part one)
Prison break (part two)
Reposted by:
Jorge Daniel Barchi.
Buenos Aires.
7
standanista
Rumour has it, if you ask for Stuart Sierra at the side door (not the main gate), you just might get in.
8
hannu30
Just back out in freedom after a visit inside. Call 213-0415 or 213-0416, and ask to talk to Stewart Sierra from South Africa and he will tell you what is needed. He will be there for at least 4 more months as of today 2008.02.09. The visit is unusual, but remember that these guys are there for a reason. Don´t count on all your donations, entrance-bribes and "fees" will go to food and toiletries... Consider it well beforehand if you think it is worth it and if you want to do and pay for this, but if you do, enjoy the visit!
Pro tip
Lonely Planet
trusted partner
trusted partner