Central America
Guatemala
A land of bright colors, rich cultures and gorgeous landscapes, Guatemala has been a mainstay on the Latin American filming map since the Mayan ruins of Tikal made an appearance at the end of Star Wars. However there are still plenty of undiscovered corners of this fascinating country that have not been overexposed from lush tracts of jungle to tiny indigenous villages that appear to have totally dropped off the radar.
Honduras
While perceptions of insecurity have seen Honduras fall from favor in recent times, there are still plenty of safe places to operate and the lack of popularity means there is plenty of exclusivity. The bay islands of Roatan and Utila are perfect for cost-effective Caribbean filming while the jungles of the Mosquitia offer dense foliage and undisturbed filming that is far easier to access than in many other parts of the region.
El Salvador
While small in size, El Salvador packs a big punch like a condensed flavor of the highlights of Central America in an easy to manage destination with optimum conditions for filming. From rarely visited colonial towns – ideal for shooting without the crowds – to volcanoes surrounded by wilderness and a busy, modern capital it really is a land of contrast.
Belize
Justifiably known for it’s spectacular reef and marine life, Belize is a remote paradise with sparse population and inspiring natural riches. While the marine life is the main star it would be an error to overlook the anglophone nation’s uncrowded Mayan ruins, traditional mennonite communities and spectacular geological formations including some of the best caves in the region. Belize offers phenomenal nature and culture that is accessible from its first class accommodations.
Nicaragua
Known as the land of Lakes and Volcanoes, Nicaragua’s nickname is no joke – with otherworldly scenery in every direction from perfect volcanic cones to jungle-clad crater lakes and endless stretches of fresh water that front picturesque villages. Throw in a rich cultural history and Nicaragua makes the perfect backdrop for all kinds of productions, especially those with a both cultural, natural or adventure focus.
Costa Rica
Renowned for it’s natural wonderland and ecological perspectives, shooting in Costa Rica is a breeze dues to it’s developed accommodation and service infrastructure and easily accessible locations. With some of the best preserved tracts of rainforest and cloud forest in Central America alongside some of the best beaches in the region,Costa Rica offers awe inspiring locations without the hassle. And Latam Cowboy has the country covered: both the nation’s signature experiences and little known destinations that bring productions to life.
Panama
Running the length of an narrow isthmus that divides two immense bodies of water, Panama is defined by geography which make it a unique place for filming. From the San Blas islands in the Caribbean to the engineering masterpiece that is the canal, the water is a major part of life here. But Panama is about more than just landscapes; it boasts the contrast of modern Panama City – Central America’s only true metropolis – with charming colonial towns and rural villages. And culturally its position at the crossroads has made it a fascinating mix of indigenous, European, African and Caribbean cultures.
South America
Colombia
The most biodverse country in the region, Colombia boasts an envious diversity of thrilling landscapes from Andean glaciers to rich jungle covered valleys and everything in between. But it’s not just about the scenery, the country is also home to a rich mix of cultures and some of the continents best preserved colonial architecture. With a such incredible diversity, Colombia is hugely appealing to productions across many genres.
Ecuador
Like a miniature model South America, Ecuador combines all the classic imagery of the continent in a small, easy to get around country with excellent infrastructure and facilities. Three distinct geographic zones – coast, Andean mountains and Amazonian jungle are all within an effortless drive from the capital Quito. The country is also a great place to shoot some of the best preserved colonial towns in the region while the phenomenal nature on the Galapagos islands need no introduction.
Peru
From the exhilarating beauty of the Cordillera Blanca to the impenetrable jungles of the lowlands, Peru has it all. Let Latam Cowboy take your production away from the mainstream to hidden ruins, traditional villages and culinary delights that await in this most traditional of nations. Whether its capturing Andean culture, recently discovered ruins or nomadic jungle communities, in Peru adventure gets top billing.
Brazil
Covering vast swathes of the continent, Brazil can be a tough place to scout; fortunately at Latam Cowboy we know the country inside out from the jungles of the Amazonas and Acre to the German-influenced towns of the south, we have an extensive database of locations and on the ground collaborators to make productions happen. Whether you’re interested in the attractions like the Cataratas do Iguaçu and Rio or remote settlements in the Sertao, we have the expertise to make it happen.
Bolivia
Rich in pre-Hispanic traditions, Bolivia is a colorful and diverse nation that is perfect for productions with a cultural or natural slant. The striking mountain landscapes enclose Andean communities whose way of life that remains remarkably similar to that before the arrival of the conquistadores. With a wealth of indigenous traditions and customs, Bolivia is a great choice to add some color to South American productions.
Chile
Chile’s Patagonian wilderness is legendary among photographers and film makers alike, but there is much more to this narrow strip of a country than snow covered peaks. Bustling Santiago is one of South Americans most modern cities while the desert covered north offer otherworldly landscapes that jump off the screen. Boasting an excellent infrastructure and transport connections, Chile is both a straightforward and dynamic place to film a range of productions.
Argentina
Culturally rich Argentina is a fascinating mix of European and Indigenous influences, home to one of South Americas greatest cities and one of the continent’s most exhilarating mountain ranges it is a natural choice for productions focussing on Latin American culture, cuisine and nature. From the vineyard to the plains across to metropolitan Buenos Aires, Argentina is both tranquil and intense, classic and modern while always remaining full of character and attitude.
Guyana
With a jungle covered interior that is virtually untouched by development, Guyana is a nature destination that is just waiting to be explored. The rarely travelled inner regions hide towering waterfalls, Amerindian communities and classic Caribbean traditions that remain strong despite being located firmly on the mainland. Bringing together Afro-Caribbean, Indian and Indigenous cultures, its rich culinary traditions make it a fine choice for food orientated productions.
Paraguay
Rarely visited and with a low profile in the media, landlocked Paraguay is an enigma that shelters a rich culture and classic rural landscapes. From the spectacular jesuit ruins and classic haciendas of the interior to the wild waterfalls of the east, Paraguay has unique destinations that are ripe for exploration.
Caribbean
Barbados
If your production demands classic Caribbean stretches of sand then Barbados with it’s unrivaled seascapes of white sand and brilliant turqouise waters is the perfect choice. Throw in a rich culture and first class accommodations, air links and travel infrastructure and its the perfect base for both local and regional productions. From the busy vacation areas of the southwest to the exclusive sands of the Platinum coast and the isolated rugged beauty of Bathsheba, Barbados has an amazing variety of locations.
Trinidad
Fascinating Trinidad blends rich cultures and island plantation landscapes to make a filming location unlike any other in the region. From the cultural melting port that is Port of Spain, with its Indian, European and African influences, to remote and very-British outposts in the interior, Trinidad is a fantastic option for filming Caribbean culture, cuisine and traditions. With the best air links in region, it is also a fine base for island hopping productions.
Grenada
Balancing fine white sands, turqouise waters and a lush rainforest covered interior, Grenada is truly the island with it all. Rich in revolutionary history and boasting one of the most distinctive cuisines in the region which makes use of the islands legendary local spices – Grenada is cultural and culinary showpiece and its friendly inhabitants and fine accommodations make it a great base location.
St Vincent & the Grenadines
The name ‘the Grenadines’ evokes images of tiny islands, dream yachts and castaway fantasies and with two dozen islands in the chain, it is perhaps the most atmospheric place to film in the entire eastern Caribbean. From the luxury of Canouan to the natural wonders of the Tobago Cayes Marine Park and the colorful local communities of Bequia and Mayreau SVG is truly a remarkable destination. While it doesn’t boast the white sands of the Grenadines, St Vincent main island is also a visually striking place to film combining traditional Caribbean lifestyle with a verdant interior.
St Lucia
For a spectacular island backdrop, the iconic twin peaks of St Lucia’s Pitons are hard to beat – towering high above the shimmering blue sea below the mountains can be seen from all over the southern portion of the island. The south also boasts classic French creole communities around Soufriere, ethereal sulfur springs and numerous hidden coves while the interior of the island has some of the best rainforest coverage in the region.