Jaya Travel & Tours’ “On Location” series focuses on famous movie locations around the world that you can visit. Today, our series features film locations from the epic drama Apocalypto.
The ancient Maya are a fascinating culture. Why their civilization suddenly declined has been debated for decades. Perhaps it’s this mystery that keeps the Maya in the modern imagination. Mel Gibson’s film Apocalypto explores this fascinating society through the eyes of one man’s quest to rescue the last members of his tribe: his small, but strong, family.
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Apocalypto Synopsis
Director: Mel Gibson | Run time: 2 hr 19 min | Genre: action, adventure, drama | Rating: R
The Mayan kingdom is at the height of its opulence and power but the foundations of the empire are beginning to crumble. The leaders believe they must build more temples and sacrifice more people or their crops and citizens will die. Jaguar Paw (Rudy Youngblood), a peaceful hunter in a remote tribe, is captured along with his entire village in a raid. He is scheduled for a ritual sacrifice until he makes a daring escape and tries to make it back to his pregnant wife and son.
Apocalypto Filming Locations
Eyipantla Falls, Mexico
Located in the Los Tuxtlas area of Veracruz, Eyipantla Falls is the region’s largest and most important waterfall. The name stems from the traditional Nahuatl language which means, “three streams of water.” According to legend, the spot is home to the Aztec god of rain, Tlaloc.
This stunning, and historical, site was the location of the dramatic scene in which Jaguar Paw steps into his own element. He challenges the Mayan warriors who, in turn, chase him to heroically leaping from the falls, escaping capture.
Veracruz, Mexico
The pyramids used for Apocalypto film locations were not authentic pyramids, they were built by 21st-century set designers in the area of Veracruz. However, if you’d like to see the primary Apocalypto film location, there’s no shortage of ruins for you to explore.
Check out El Tajín, one of the most important cities of Classic Mesoamerica. The site flourished between 600 and 1200 CE, making it one of the most important archaeological site for tourists in Veracruz. Another iconic site is Castillo de Teayo, which was occupied between the 10th and 12th centuries CE and boasts a blend of various cultural traditions.
The modern city of Veracruz is another interesting visit if you have time. Inhabited for thousands of years by several native cultures, the modern city was founded in 1519 by Hernan Cortes. Today, it is a cosmopolitan blend of Spanish, Caribbean, and African cultures.
El Petén, Guatemala
The northernmost department of Guatemala, El Petén has no shortage of reserves and national parks. This is where you’ll find the location of the Mayan village and the forest chase scenes. Check out:
- Maya Biosphere Reserve – This is actually the location of Tikal, a very famous Mayan site
- Laguna Del Tigre National Park – This place is loaded with wildlife, including tapirs and jaguars, which feature in the film
- Sierra Del Lacandón National Park – This area of the Maya reserve has some of the most biologically diverse rainforests in Guatemala
Discover Mexico with Jaya
When you’re ready to embark on your journey, Jaya Travel is here to turn your dream trip into a reality. Plan your luxurious escape to relive the magic of the Apocalypto for yourself, or find another vacation filled with film destinations.
With nearly 50 years of expertise, our in-house travel agents take care of every detail, from flights and hotels to cruises, tours, and travel insurance. We pride ourselves on crafting personalized experiences that cater to your needs, whether it’s accessible travel, unique activities, or unforgettable accommodations.
Are you ready to book your vacation? Contact us today and enjoy a 5% discount on your personalized tour. At Jaya Travel, we’re dedicated to ensuring your adventure is not just smooth—but extraordinary.
