Where Was “Predator” Filmed?

Where was “Predator” filmed? Ahead, we at Peerspace answer that very question! The release of the movie “Predator” in 1987 gave the world a new classic action and horror movie villain that we would fear for years to come. The series has lived on through many sequels and crossover movies, like the “Alien vs. Predator” movies, as well as a new prequel movie slated for release this year.

It’s no wonder that movies featuring the sport-hunting alien have captivated so many–the original movie starring Arnold Schwarzenegger is up there in the pantheon of his best films and the best 80s action movies. The tense thriller follows Schwarzenegger’s character Dutch and his team of paramilitary mercenaries. They are hunted, one by one, in a Central American jungle, eventually leading to an exciting conclusion. Not to mention some classic Arnold lines that we’ve heard quoted far too many times in our lives.

Part of the appeal of the original “Predator” movie is the exotic location where it takes place. You and other moviegoers may have asked yourselves the question: where was “Predator” filmed? We’re going to take you on a trip down to Central America to find out! Let’s see just where the filmmakers captured the magic of the movie that started it all for the series.

Did they film “Predator” in an actual jungle?

If you’ve ever watched the movie, you’ve probably watched Arnold Schwarzenegger, Carl Weathers, and the rest of the motley crew sweat through the jungle and wondered: where was “Predator” filmed? If the actors in the movie look genuinely sweaty and uncomfortable, that’s because they probably were. They filmed nearly the entire production on location in Mexico. Specifically, in Jalisco, Palenque, and Puerto Vallarta.

We’re going to break down these three locations so you know where they filmed some of the most iconic scenes. But first, let’s talk a little bit about the actors’ experiences working in the jungle that they filmed in.

An article from Maxim Magazine chronicles some of the issues, such as dealing with native creepy crawlies like ants, scorpions, and snakes. That’s not even beginning to mention just how exhausting it was to work in the blistering heat and humidity while hauling around extremely heavy equipment! It’s no wonder that the subsequent sequel took place in a city. It certainly sounds like nobody was too eager to return to the jungle for another grueling production.

Filming in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

To kick things off, we’ll discuss one of the easier locations for the production to film in. Puerto Vallarta is located close to a beach resort about 400 miles west of Mexico City. According to Movie-Locations.com, this wasn’t the first time the resort was part of a major Hollywood production. “John Huston’s 1964 film adaptation of Tennessee Williams’ The Night Of The Iguana, with Richard Burton and Ava Gardner, had previously put Puerto Vallarta on the map as a resort when it was filmed at Mismaloya, just to the south.”

It looks like the “El Eden” resort has embraced its Predator ties. However, it also appears that the crashed helicopter and a sculpture of the titular alien are all that remains today. This area was the setting for some of the scenes at the beginning of the movie, like when Dutch’s crew attempts to rescue the guerilla fighters and before things get really hairy for them.

Now that we know at least some of the answers to the question “where was ‘Predator’ filmed?”. Now, let’s move a little deeper into the jungle and explore Palenque.

Palenque and the Misol-ha Waterfall

Some of the other most iconic scenes in “Predator” appear a bit closer to the end of the film. One of these is the waterfall confrontation between Dutch and the alien. This is another location that is sure to spark the question: where was “Predator” filmed?

This waterfall is near the town of Palenque and is the Misol-ha Waterfall. If you were looking to visit this location for yourself, then you’re in luck! An article on Gigaplaces tells us that not only can you visit the waterfall, but you’re also able to explore caves nearby and even get behind the gorgeous waterfall.

Be sure to take some precautions, though, because they say it’s no joke back there. “It’s almost unbelievable how much space is hidden under the overhang behind the waterfall – but the path is slippery and water is dripping everywhere”. So if you decide to visit the Misol-ha Waterfall for yourself, be sure to be mindful of your footing lest you take a tumble down like Dutch did in the movie!

According to Movie-Locations.com, there is also another memorable, albeit smaller, set of waterfalls that fans will remember Dutch swimming through. These are the “Cascadas de Aguas Azules” and are near the Misol-ha Waterfall. It appears that this is another location that you can access yourself, so if you’re ever in Mexico and looking to have your own tour of the filming locations from “Predator,” then you’re in luck. Palenque and Puerto Vallarta are both tourist-friendly.

“Predator” inspired filming locations

Now that we have the answer to the question “Where was ‘Predator’ filmed?” we can check out what is available to us through Peerspace. They’re the best spot online to find your own “Predator”-inspired filming locations and so much more. From event venues to photography studios, you can find anything on Peerspace.

Not keen on trekking down to the jungles of Mexico and fighting with ants, snakes, and scorpions to find your perfect waterfall? Then check out these Smoky Mountains Waterfalls and Roadside Attraction in Sevierville, Tennessee. When you take a look at some of the high-quality pictures of the waterfalls from the host, you can almost imagine Arnold Schwarzenegger tumbling down them!

If you’re an aspiring creative or filmmaker looking to find the perfect waterfall, jungle-like area, or any “Predator”-inspired filming location on a budget, then Peerspace should be your first stop.

Find unique filming locations on Peerspace