Where Was Apocalypto Filmed? Filming Locations Of The Historical Adventure Movie!

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So, what kind of student were you at school? The one who loved to write long answers in the history test or the one who loathed it? I fall in the former category. And, if you too are someone like me, you’ll definitely love to watch Apocalypto (2006), a historical adventure film. You might also want to visit its filming location sometime in the future, just to see where the events occurred. To facilitate your future travel plans, I’ll tell you where was Apocalypto filmed

Also, don’t judge me, but I could never understand why some people didn’t like (read: hated) history at school. I mean, how could one not be fascinated with a subject that tells us about our adventurous, glorious, evolutionary pasts? How could one not want to know how civilization happened or how people used to live and eat in that period of time? Alright, you might be scowling at the screen right now. In my defense, I’ve always been a nerd. 

I won’t say any more controversial things that can spark heated debates. Instead, I’ll tell you where was Apocalypto filmed. The production unit decided to film the movie in Catemaco, San Andres Tuxtla, and Paso de Ovejas, Veracruz, in Mexico. Besides this, some scenes were also shot at Eyipantla Falls. 

Now, if you love writing long answers in history and watching historical movies like Troy, you surely would want a detailed answer to our query at hand. And, because you and I are two peas in a pod, I get you. So, keep reading this article, and you’ll find out all about the filming locations of Apocalypto! 

The Plot Of Apocalypto | What Is Apocalypto About?

Apocalypto is set in the Maya civilization, where slavery and human sacrifices were common practices. Warriors would regularly invade settlements to take humans for their rituals and to serve in their kingdoms. 

In one such occurrence, a group of warriors brutally attacked a peaceful settlement. Needless to say, they had come there to seek slaves and humans for their routine sacrifices. Jaguar Paw, a young valiant man, hid his pregnant wife and little son in a deep hole nearby. 

However, he continued fighting along with the rest of his tribe. But, the warriors outnumbered and overpowered the tribesmen. Jaguar Paw was captured and taken along to be sacrificed before God. 

But then, an eclipse occurred that saved his life from being sacrificed in the ritual. It also commenced the end of the Maya civilization. And now, Jaguar Paw must embark on a dangerous journey and fight all odds to save and reconcile with his family. Do you think he will be able to do it? 

Before we proceed any further, here are some more details about the film:

Release DateDecember 8, 2006
Running Time2h 19m
Directed ByMel Gibson
Produced ByMel Gibson, Bruce Davey 
StarringGerardo Taracena, Raoul Max Trujillo, Dalia Hernandez, Rudy Youngblood, Jonathan Brewer, Morris Birdyellowhead, Carlos Emilio Baez 
IMDb Rating7.8/10

Now, without further ado, let’s see where was Apocalypto filmed! 

Here’s Where Was Apocalypto Filmed | Explore All Filming Locations Below!

Alright, I know that the storyline of Apocalypto isn’t factually accurate. But hey, don’t forget that even though the film falls in the historical fiction category, it is still a work of fiction, a piece of art! And you can’t possibly deny that the storyline isn’t interesting! Apart from the storyline, people have praised Apocalypto for its cinematography, acting, costumes, and of course– filming locations!

It’s not just about Apocalypto, Medieval, a historical action drama, and other shows like The Last Kingdom are just as good, if not more. If you’ve not watched them yet, make sure to check them out after reading where was Apocalypto filmed! 

Catemaco, San Andres Tuxtla

Where Was Apocalypto Filmed? Filming Locations Of The Historical Adventure Movie!  

So, most parts of the filming took place in Catemaco, San Andres Tuxtla. Also, if you like to travel, you might already know all about Catemaco, given that it’s a highly popular tourist destination! 

What attracts people to this place is the region’s rainforest–or whatever is left of them, a huge freshwater lake, exquisite cuisine, witchcraft that was mainly practiced by men, etc. The main attraction can be sorcery as it attracts the most number of tourists. In fact, every year, Catemaco organizes an event dedicated to the same!  

Paso de Ovejas, Veracruz, Mexico

Where Was Apocalypto Filmed? Filming Locations Of The Historical Adventure Movie!  

Some other parts of Apocalypto were filmed in Paso de Ovejas, Veracruz, located in Mexico. This place isn’t as popular as Catemaco because it’s not a major tourist attraction. But, if you still wish to visit this place, you can check out the Chapel of the Rosary, which is a religious site, and Los Voladores of Papantla. 

Eyipantla Falls

Where Was Apocalypto Filmed? Filming Locations Of The Historical Adventure Movie!  

If you’ve already watched Apocalypto, you might know about THAT iconic waterfall scene. It was shot at Eyipantla Falls located in San Andres Tuxtla. A lot of hard work was put into filming scenes at the waterfall. The production crew has to use Spydercams for this purpose. They would have to put one on the actor’s shoulder as he dived into the water. Temperature levels would always make filming difficult as well. 

Final Words

Alright, history enthusiasts! I bet you all know where was Apocalypto filmed! And now, you all can pretend to be cute little historians and visit the filming locations of this mythical film! I’m sure you’ll like the experience! Also, is there any other historical fiction film that you’d like to know the filming locations of? If yes, let us know in the comments! 

What Production Companies Have Worked On Apocalypto?

Icon Productions, Mayan Ruins, and Touchstone Pictures are the production companies that have worked on Apocalypto. 

Is Apocalypto Available On Netflix?

Apocalypto is available on Netflix. 

Is Apocalypto Available On Amazon Prime Video?

Apocalypto is available on Amazon Prime Video. 

Is Apocalypto Available On HBO Max?

Apocalypto is available on HBO Max. 

What Is The Tagline Of Apocalypto? 

The tagline of Apocalypto is When the end comes, not everyone is ready to go.

What Are Some More Movies Like Apocalypto?

If you liked watching the movie Apocalypto, then you can also watch The Passion Of The Christ, Ya’ax Che’, The Road, Perfume: The Story Of A Murderer, The Patriot, The Man Without A Face,  The Illusionist, and 10,000BC. 

Ujwal Mattoo
Ujwal Mattoo
With full journalism and half engineering background, Ujwal has hands in both the tech and creative fields. He is a film enthusiast who loves all kinds of genres. As much as he enjoys watching movies, he is always amused to know more and write about the locations to feed his hunger for traveling. In this world of fictional louds, he voices his opinions softly! He is either busy writing or playing with Milo, his dog!

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