The Americas’ last prison island has become a tourist bioreserve

The World

Islas Marías, off Mexico’s west coast, was known as “Mexico’s Alcatraz” and was the Americas’ last island prison until the penal colony closed in 2019, following controversy over terrible conditions and a history of political prisoners. Now, Mexico’s navy, which runs the island, is allowing tourists to visit on restricted weekend tours. Journalist Jamie Fullerton spent the weekend there.

Will you support The World?

The story you just read is not locked behind a paywall because listeners and readers like you generously support our nonprofit newsroom. Now more than ever, we need your help to support our global reporting work and power the future of The World. Can we count on you?