Coiba Island Penal Colony in El Trapiche, Panama

Coiba Island, once known as Panama's Alcatraz, was a harsh penal colony from 1919 to 2004, housing dangerous criminals and political prisoners. The island's remote location and challenging conditions, including dangerous wildlife and harsh weather, deterred escapes and preserved its natural environment. Thousands of "disappeared" individuals are believed to be linked to the prison. The prison's closure in 2004 led to the establishment of Coiba National Park in 2005. The park encompasses a vast area, including the island and surrounding waters, protecting rich biodiversity. This lack of human activity allowed the island's rainforest and marine life to flourish. Coiba boasts significant wildlife, including unique bird species and a thriving coral reef system. Remaining prison structures are slowly being reclaimed by nature, while some are preserved. A military outpost maintains surveillance, occasionally detaining drug traffickers. Today, Coiba National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a marine protected area.