What Does Vallarta Have That Film Producers Fall in Love With?
To date, more than 50 films have been filmed in Puerto Vallarta and its surrounding areas.
The most iconic, and the one that practically put the port on the international map, was "The Night of the Iguana" (1964), directed by John Huston and starring Richard Burton and Ava Gardner. After that film, the place became a magnet for cinema.
Here's an interesting fact: in addition to films, series, documentaries, and commercials have also been filmed in the area. The beaches, the jungle, the boardwalk, and even nearby towns like Mismaloya, Yelapa, and San Sebastián del Oeste have been film locations.
Some notable films that were filmed here:
● Predator (1987), starring Arnold Schwarzenegger (in the jungle near Mismaloya).
● Limitless (2011), although only a few scenes on the beach.
● Blind Side (2009), some final scenes were filmed on the Vallarta coast.
Puerto Vallarta has been the birthplace of dozens of romance, action, horror, science fiction, and other films. Learn a little about these films so you can see them:
Films Filmed in Puerto Vallarta and Surrounding Areas:
- The Night of the Iguana (1964)
○ Director: John Huston
○ Starring: Richard Burton, Ava Gardner, Deborah Kerr
○ Fact: This film was the one that put Puerto Vallarta on the international radar. The main location is in Mismaloya, and ruins of the set still remain.
- Predator (1987)
○ Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger
○ Fact: The dense jungle of Mismaloya was perfect for representing the Central American jungle where the alien hunter's story takes place. Many say the heat and mosquitoes were a serious concern during filming!
- Revenge (1990)
○ Starring: Kevin Costner, Anthony Quinn, Madeleine Stowe
○ Fact: Several scenes were filmed on the coast of Vallarta and its surroundings. The locations feature landscapes very typical of the Mexican Pacific.
- Puerto Vallarta Squeeze (2004)
○ Starring: Scott Glenn, Harvey Keitel
○ Fact: Based on the novel by Robert James Waller (the author of "The Bridges of Madison County"), this film was primarily shot in the port and features locations you're sure to recognize.
- Limitless (2011)
○ Starring: Bradley Cooper
○ Fact: There are some scenes at the end of the film where the character enjoys beach life. Some of those shots were filmed in the Vallarta area.
- Blind Side (2009)
○ Starring: Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw
○ Fact: The family's final trip in the story is to Puerto Vallarta, and several beach scenes were filmed there.
- Swashbuckler (1976)
○ Starring: Robert Shaw, James Earl Jones
○ Fact: It's a pirate movie, and the Vallarta sea served as the Caribbean for this film.
- Kill and Kill Again (1981)
○ Starring: James Ryan
○ Fact: This is an action and martial arts film that chose Puerto Vallarta for several of its exterior shots.
TV Series and Other Projects in Vallarta:
● Amazing Race (US and Canadian versions): Several episodes have been filmed here, including tests on the Malecón and tours of Banderas Bay.
● Expedition Robinson (Mexican version of "Survivor"): It was filmed on the nearby beaches.
Curiosities about Filming in Puerto Vallarta:
● John Huston fell so in love with Vallarta that he built a house in Las Caletas, which is now a tourist spot.
● Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton had a scandalous romance here while filming The Night of the Iguana. It is said that they bought neighboring houses connected by a bridge, which is now the famous Bridge of Love.
● The Mismaloya jungle is one of the most sought-after locations for adventure films due to its lush vegetation and climate.
And the truth is, Puerto Vallarta has a magic that captivates both visitors and the world's greatest filmmakers. I'll tell you some key reasons why directors and creators choose this paradise for their films.
Lush and Diverse Nature
Puerto Vallarta offers natural settings that literally look like something out of a movie. You have:
● Golden sand beaches like Los Muertos, Conchas Chinas, or Las Ánimas.
● Lush tropical rainforests, like Mismaloya, that are perfect for adventure or action scenes (Predator is the best example).
● Rivers, mountains, and cliffs that add depth and drama to any scene.
All in one place, without having to travel far.
Unparalleled Lights and Sunsets
Vallarta's sunsets are some of the most beautiful in the world. Skies that turn from orange to purple, reflected in the Pacific. This natural light creates a magical, warm, and cinematic atmosphere that many directors dream of capturing.
Architecture and Town Charm
The historic center, with its cobblestone streets, white houses with red tiles, and flower-filled balconies, offers a picturesque and authentic setting. It's a town that combines traditional Mexican charm with a cosmopolitan flair.
The Malecón, with its sculptures and the ocean in the background, is an open-air set adored by creators.
Mystique and Energy of the Place
Many artists claim that Puerto Vallarta has a special energy. The meeting of the Sierra Madre Mountains and the ocean creates a sense of harmony and mystery, attracting those seeking a place with "soul."
John Huston said that Vallarta was a place where time stood still, ideal for stories that explore human drama, as he did in The Night of the Iguana.
Production Facilities
Puerto Vallarta has developed tourism infrastructure and professional services, making filming much easier. Boats, helicopters, expert guides, and private locations are available for large productions.
In addition, the local people are warm and hospitable, creating a friendly environment for film crews.
Accessibility and Proximity
Although it feels like a hidden gem, Vallarta is easily connected by air and sea. This makes it attractive to producers seeking exotic locations without the hassle of logistics.
A Paradise That Inspires
The beauty of Puerto Vallarta inspires stories of love, adventure, survival, and mystery. There's something about its blend of jungle and sea, culture and modernity, that resonates with the imagination of creators.
That's why directors like John Huston, Hollywood filmmakers, and even independent filmmakers return time and again to this corner of the Mexican Pacific.
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