Most people know or have heard of La Isla de los Alacranes (Scorpion Island), but there is another island not everyone has heard about.
Prison Island, also known as Mezcala Island, is a testament of a long history where cultures, legends and ghosts collide. It is believed that it was a center of worship for the civilizations of Jalisco since its founding in the year 1280. There have been pre-Columbian traces found on the island such as obsidian points, ornaments and ceramic pieces.
Later, this island was not only used as a strategic point by the colonial army where a fort had been built to house defense troops, but it also participated in the War of Independence, as an independence movement that sympathized with Hidalgo.
Finally, the space was used as a prison in the 1980s. It is said that the most feared criminals accused of rape came here.
Today, it’s used as a historical point of interest and welcomes all visitors. The island still has a standing structure and ruins that you can walk through and explore.
To get there, travel by car to the town of Mezcala, which is about 20 km East of Chapala, and take a boat from the town to the island. A boat leaving from this quiet town costs approximately 250 pesos. On the other hand, if you try to get there by boat from Chapala or Ajijic, the price can rise to approximately 1,200 pesos. Once on the island, we recommend that you hire the service of a local guide, who will tell you in great detail the complete history of this mysterious place for only 50 pesos.
