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San Lucas Prison
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Historical site
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The San Lucas Island Prison, located in the Gulf of Nicoya, was Costa Rica's most notorious penal institution from 1873 until 1991. It was originally established by dictator Tomás Guardia to isolate political prisoners and, later, the country's most dangerous criminals under extremely harsh conditions. The site's history is characterized by reports of torture, disease, and inhumane treatment, famously depicted in the novel 'La Isla de los Hombres Solos' by José León Sánchez. After its closure in 1991, the buildings fell into disrepair until the island was declared a national park in 2020 to protect both its historical heritage and biodiversity. Today, visitors can tour the cell ruins featuring poignant prisoner graffiti and the old administrative buildings, while witnessing the island's regenerated flora and fauna.
- Location: Costa Rica
- Nearby: Tilarán (8 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 27 | 28 | 29 | 29 | 28 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 |
| Rain mm | 14 | 8 | 10 | 48 | 198 | 190 | 150 | 186 | 259 | 288 | 132 | 34 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The former San Lucas Prison on Isla San Lucas is now a national park and historical monument open to visitors. Access is only via guided tour covering the island and the prison.
Typical hours
Tours are typically arranged by local operators with departures usually between 8 and 10 AM. Advance booking is essential as tours fill up quickly.
Photography
Photography is allowed during the tour, though some parts of the prison may have restrictions. Flash photography is prohibited in certain historic rooms.
Time needed
The full tour, including boat ride and island visit, typically takes half a day, about 4 to 5 hours. The prison visit itself lasts about 1.5 hours.
Combine with
Combine the tour with a visit to nearby Manuel Antonio National Park on the mainland. The beaches of Puntarenas are also worth a stop.
Getting there
The island is only accessible by boat, with departures from the port in Puntarenas. Most tours include hotel transfer within Puntarenas.
Insider tip
Book the tour well in advance as spots are limited, especially during peak season. Bring sun protection and water, as it gets hot and sunny on the island.
Geography
Facts
- The prison was in operation for a total of 118 years.
- The island was named Costa Rica's 30th national park in 2020.
- Made famous by the book 'La Isla de los Hombres Solos'.
- Inmates left behind murals made from blood and charcoal.
- The site included a chapel and a medical infirmary.
- The island is located about 8 kilometers off the coast of Puntarenas.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town San Lucas Prison (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
How do you get to San Lucas prison?
You must take a boat from Puntarenas; the trip to the island takes about 30-40 minutes.
Is the island inhabited today?
No, it is now a national park and historical site with no permanent inhabitants.
What can be visited there?
The old prison cells, the chapel, and the graffiti left behind by the prisoners.
Why was this prison notorious?
Because of the extremely harsh conditions and cruel punishments for the inmates.
Are there guided tours?
Yes, certified guides explain the dark history and show the island's most important spots.
San Lucas Prison: where is it located?
San Lucas Prison is located in Costa Rica.
San Lucas Prison: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
San Lucas Prison: why is it worth visiting?
The San Lucas Island Prison, located in the Gulf of Nicoya, was Costa Rica's most notorious penal institution from 1873 until 1991.
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