La Perla: The Pearl of Poverty

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About La Perla: The Pearl of Poverty

La Perla is a slum neighborhood outside of the northern historic city wall of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, stretching about 600 meters along the rocky Atlantic coast immediately east of the Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery and down the slope from (north of) Calle Norzagaray.



W A R N I N G: This area is not considered safe for tourists or casual photographers. Please do not consider entering La Perla for a photo shoot without the proper permission and security!!

La Perla was established in the late 19th century. Initially, the area was the site of a slaughterhouse because the law required them - as well as cemeteries - to be established away from the main community center; in this case, outside the city walls. Some time later, farmers and workers started living around the slaughterhouse and established their houses there.

In spite of its amazing oceanfront location (in most cities such properties would be home to the wealthiest individuals), in recent years La Perla has become more known because of the high rate of illegal drug trafficking and crime.