Islas Marías, UNESCO Biosphere Reserve archipelago near San Blas, Mexico
Four islands form this Pacific Ocean archipelago, situated 100 kilometers from the Nayarit coast and 370 kilometers from Baja California peninsula.
The Mexican government established a federal prison on María Madre Island in 1905, which operated continuously until its closure by presidential decree in 2019.
The former prison facilities contain numerous art murals created by inmates during their incarceration, documenting their daily experiences through visual expression.
Visitors access the islands through weekly ferry services departing from San Blas and Mazatlán on Fridays, with return journeys scheduled for Sundays.
The Salera Salt Mines on María Madre Island showcase preserved structures where inmates performed manual labor, including remnants of their original artwork.
Location: Nayarit
Elevation above the sea: 616 m
Part of: Islands and Protected Areas of the Gulf of California
GPS coordinates: 21.53333,-106.46667
Latest update: May 28, 2025 18:12
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