Peru on demand: Explore the stunning landscapes featured in national and Hollywood movies.
From the stunning Peruvian coastline, through the towering Andean peaks, to the depths of the Peruvian Amazon, Peru's diverse landscapes are becoming popular destinations for filming movies and series on major streaming platforms. The productions reviewed below are proof of this trend.
Transformers: Rise of the Beasts
The seventh chapter of the legendary Transformers series, Rise of the Beasts sets the stage for an epic showdown between the Autobots and Maximals against the Terrorcons. This time, the action unfolds in the breathtaking locales of Cusco and San Martin, featuring iconic landmarks like Machupicchu, Saqsaywaman, and the Ahuashiyacu waterfalls.
The movie was a huge hit in Peru, smashing records as the highest-grossing film ever in the country, pulling in nearly USD 53 million. Directed by Steven Caple Jr., this blockbuster was set to hit Latin American screens on June 8, 2023, but it already made its debut on the Paramount+ streaming service in January of this year. In May, it was added to the Netflix catalog.
Source: Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (teaser)
La Reina del Sur
The third season of the Netflix hit was shot in Cusco and Lima. Kate del Castillo, the lead actress, was so impressed by Peru that she called her time in the Imperial City "amazing." She even tried Pisco, an experience captured on film and later shown on the popular streaming platform. It is worth noting that the series is set in Peru starting from episode 30 of this season. The show features various locations such as San Blas in Cusco, and neighborhoods like Barranco, Miraflores, Chorrillos, San Isidro, Lima Center, and Callao in Lima.
Source: La Reina del Sur - NBC
Don't Look Up
Paracas National Reserve in a Hollywood movie? Incredible as it may seem, this happened in "Don't Look Up," a Netflix movie that hit screens in 2021. The cast boasted big names like Jennifer Lawrence, Meryl Streep, and Leonardo DiCaprio. And guess what? Peruvian actor Andre Silva graced the screen in this protected spot in Ica. In one scene, he witnesses in awe the meteorite hurtling towards Earth, poised to end life as we know it.
Source: Don't Look Up Movie
Wiñaypacha
Oscar Catacora's first movie is now available on Netflix. It follows the journey of an elderly couple struggling to survive in the harsh conditions of the Peruvian Andes, over 5,000 meters above sea level. They desperately pray to their gods for their son's return. This film shot entirely in the Aymara language, has garnered numerous international awards. It showcases the stunning landscapes of the Peruvian Andes, including the awe-inspiring mountains and sacred sites like Allincapac in Macusani, Puno.
Source: Movie Wiñaypacha
Willaq Pirqa, the cinema of my village
Sistu, a boy from a small Andean village, and his community get their first taste of cinema magic. This new experience stirs up excitement but also brings cultural challenges, revealing the community's struggles with Spanish and modernity. Sistu is tasked with watching a weekly movie in the village and then recounting it in the Main Square. However, one day, the movie vanishes. Fueled by a passion for storytelling, Sistu takes matters into his own hands. He establishes a homemade cinema, casting local actors and, most importantly, presenting films in their native language.
Willaq Pirqa was filmed in Cusco, at an altitude of 3,900 meters above sea level, in the high Andean communities of Pacahuaynaccolca, Maras, Chequereq, and Eqqecco. This film, often called the "Andean Cinema Paradiso," has gained international acclaim and was nominated for the 2024 Goya Awards. You can watch it now on MUBI.
Source: Movie Willaq Pirqa
Bonus Track: What's next
Thirst
Shay Mitchell, known for her role as Emily Fields in Pretty Little Liars, is launching her show on the Max platform called "Thirst." In this series, she will be traveling around the world, sampling delicious cuisines, and exploring exotic locales. Unsurprisingly, the sneak peek of the show features some breathtaking spots in Peru, including the iconic Machupicchu. The series premieres on May 23.
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Source: trailer Thirst
Paddington in Peru
Peru and Machupicchu are set to capture the world's attention once more, this time in the third Paddington movie. The lovable bear, originally from Peru, journeyed to London as a migrant in fiction and has since become one of the most beloved characters in British children's literature.
Source: Paddington dreams of Peru (teaser)
Paddington in Peru will share the tale of everyone's favorite Peruvian bear as he ventures back to his homeland, the misty cloud forests of the Peruvian Amazon. The movie captured several scenes in iconic spots like the Historic Sanctuary of Machupicchu and the towering Huayna Picchu mountain. Look out for the film hitting theaters in November 2024!
As you have probably noticed, Peru is a land filled with breathtaking scenery and fascinating tales. Thanks to its rich culture and diverse landscapes, it has become a place where every story can come to life. Come experience it for yourself and film your adventures in Peru!
