San Pedro Prison

This penitentiary operates as a self-governed society where inmates manage their own housing, businesses, and community services. Unlike traditional correctional facilities, the internal structure functions as a neighborhood where residents must purchase or rent their cells. The facility is known for its internal economy and the practice of inmates living alongside their families within the prison walls.

The site gained international notoriety following the publication of the book Marching Powder, which detailed the precarious conditions and a controversial informal tourism trade. Historically, this trade included an illegal practice where individuals could stay overnight. It is recognized as one of the toughest prisons in South America, characterized by its unique system of self-organization and social structure.