Where was Apocalypto filmed?
2006
City Locations
Las Tuxtlas (Mexico), San Andres Chicahuaxtla (Mexico), Catemaco (Mexico), Sierra Madre del Sur de Oaxaca (Mexico), Sierra Madre del Sur de Chiapas (Mexico), El Petén (Guatemala)
Location Types
Church/Temple, Nature
Location Styles
Exotic/Tropical, Beachfront, Colonial, Foreign
About Apocalypto
"Apocalypto", an intense and vivid film directed by Mel Gibson, transports viewers back to the final days of the Mayan civilization. The story is set in Yucatán around 1511, portraying a unique blend of history and fiction that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
The protagonist of the story is Jaguar Paw (Rudy Youngblood), a young man leading a serene life as a hunter in a remote tribal village. His tranquil existence is brutally disrupted when a violent invading force raids his village. Captured along with his fellow villagers, Jaguar Paw is taken on a perilous journey to the heart of the dying Mayan civilization. The climax of the film is a thrilling chase sequence where Jaguar Paw must use his knowledge of the jungle and his hunting skills to survive and return to his pregnant wife and child.
What makes "Apocalypto" stand out is its depiction of a civilization on the brink of collapse, ruled by fear and oppression. While the film has been criticized for its graphic violence, it's also been praised for its stunning cinematography and the raw energy of its storytelling.
An interesting fact about "Apocalypto" is that it was filmed entirely in the Yucatec Maya language to maintain historical authenticity, which is rare for a mainstream Hollywood film. The entire cast was trained to speak the language, adding to the immersive experience of the film. This, combined with Gibson's directorial prowess, makes "Apocalypto" a must-watch for anyone interested in historical drama.
The film has received positive reviews from both critics and audiences. With a 65% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a mean rating of 6.40 out of 10, it is praised for its skillful cinematography and insightful portrayal of a once-thriving civilization, despite its unflinching violence. On Metacritic, it holds a score of 68 out of 100, indicating generally positive feedback from critics. Audiences also responded favorably, giving it an average grade of "B+" on CinemaScore.
Apocalypto Locations
"Apocalypto", the riveting historical drama directed by Mel Gibson, was brought to life in several beautiful and remote locations. These stunning settings, which include Mexico and Guatemala, played a significant role in creating the film's authentic and captivating atmosphere.
The majority of scenes were shot in the lush landscapes of Mexico, specifically in areas such as Veracruz, Catemaco, and the Sierra Madre del Sur. These locations were chosen for their dense vegetation and untouched beauty, providing an ideal backdrop for this tale set in the ancient Mayan civilization. The grandeur of Eyipantla Falls in Veracruz and the verdant rainforests of Catemaco are particularly noteworthy.
Apart from Mexico, El Petén in Guatemala was also utilized, further adding to the film's rich visuals. These places, teeming with natural beauty and historical significance, truly transported the audience back in time.
A trip to these locations would undoubtedly be worthwhile for fans of the film and history enthusiasts alike. Not only would they get to walk in the footsteps of the characters from "Apocalypto", but they would also have the opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes and delve into the rich cultural heritage of these regions.
Jaguar Paw jumping from waterfall scene in Apocalypto
Cascada El Salto de Eyipantla (Eyipantla Falls), Sihuapan 2123, La Guadalupe, 95805 Salto de Eyipantla, Mexico
Jaguar Paw (Rudy Youngblood) steps into his element and faces off against Mayan warriors. He stands at the top of the waterfall and leaps, escaping his pursuers in a heart-stopping moment of sheer bravery. Once he lands, he finds himself in the dense jungle, which serves as his home turf.
Eyipantla Falls, located in San Andrés Tuxtla, is a breathtaking waterfall that played a significant role in the movie "Apocalypto". The name, originating from Nahuatl, signifies the majestic cascade of three powerful jets. With an impressive breadth of 40 meters and a towering altitude of 50 meters, this waterfall is truly a sight to behold. It offers some of the best views in Veracruz and is believed to have been a refuge for Tláloc, the rain god in ancient cultures.
To visit Cascada El Salto de Eyipantla, travel to the town of San Andrés Tuxtla in Veracruz, Mexico. Navigate towards Highway 180 and turn onto the road to Sihuapan. Follow the signs for the waterfall, located approximately 12 kilometers from San Andrés Tuxtla. The site offers parking and is accessible by local buses or taxis from the town center.
The forest chase scene in Apocalypto
Petén Department (El Petén), Guatemala
As the raiders and their prisoners journey forward, they come across landscapes of deforested areas and extensive fields of unsuccessful maize harvests, coupled with villages obliterated by a mysterious illness. They stumble upon a diseased young girl who ominously predicts the downfall of the Mayan civilization.
Petén Department is the northernmost region of Guatemala, known for its rich Mayan history and lush rainforests. It's home to Tikal National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring one of the largest archaeological sites of the pre-Columbian Mayan civilization. Petén is also notable for its diverse wildlife and unique ecosystems, making it a haven for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
To reach the Petén Department in Guatemala, travelers can fly into the convenient Mundo Maya International Airport, which serves as the gateway to this captivating region. Alternatively, for those seeking a more adventurous journey, there are multiple daily bus services from Guatemala City to Flores, the vibrant capital of Petén. Upon arrival, visitors will find a range of local transportation options readily available, allowing them to easily navigate and immerse themselves in the rich history and breathtaking natural beauty that the Petén Department has to offer.
The pyramid scene in Apocalypto
Veracruz, Mexico
Upon reaching the city, the captives are sorted into groups. The women are forced into a life of servitude, while the men are led to the pinnacle of a pyramid. There, they face a grim fate as they are savagely offered as sacrifices to pacify the gods.
Veracruz, also known as Heroica Veracruz, is a vibrant port city on Mexico's Gulf Coast. Known for its rich history, it is one of Mexico's most significant maritime hubs. The city offers a unique blend of cultures and is famous for its lively music scene. Visitors can explore archaeological sites, enjoy guided tours, or partake in the local cuisine. Notably, Veracruz is surrounded by beautiful landscapes, including the Gulf of Mexico and various states.
Getting to Veracruz, Mexico is relatively straightforward. The city has an international airport, General Heriberto Jara International Airport, that connects it to major cities in Mexico and some international destinations. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or rent a car to get into the city. Alternatively, Veracruz is well-connected by road and rail to other parts of Mexico, making it accessible for those preferring to travel by bus or train.
Conclusion
"Apocalypto," Mel Gibson's thrilling 2006 film, expertly utilized a range of locations to create an immersive and authentic experience. Filmed primarily in Mexico, the movie took full advantage of the lush landscapes and unique locales found in Veracruz, Las Tuxtlas, and Catemaco. The film also ventured into the dense rainforests of El Petén in Guatemala, further enhancing its visual appeal and historical authenticity. Notable places include the breathtaking Eyipantla Falls and the rugged terrains of Sierra Madre del Sur.
These diverse locations, inhabited by indigenous peoples, helped to faithfully recreate the Mayan world. Filming on location not only adds a layer of realism to the movie but also showcases the raw beauty and cultural richness of these regions. Overall, "Apocalypto" is as much a visual tour-de-force of Central America's landscapes as it is a gripping narrative of Mayan history.