Whether you're a movie buff or a travel enthusiast, this guide will take you behind the scenes to explore the real-life locations that brought your favorite superhero stories to life like Black Panther and Blue Beetle. From the bustling streets of San Juan to the serene beaches of the northern coast, Puerto Rico has become a favored destination for blockbuster films, including some of the most beloved superhero sagas. 

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022) 

The eagerly awaited sequel to the 2018 hit movie 'Black Panther,' 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,' highlights the diverse and picturesque landscapes of Puerto Rico, bringing the vibrant world of Wakanda to life. Directed by Ryan Coogler, the film features key members from the original cast, including Danai Gurira, Lupita Nyong'o, Angela Bassett, Winston Duke, and Letitia Wright, reprising her role as Shuri. Discover the beautiful Island and explore the iconic locations that capture the spirit of Wakanda.

View of a beach in Vega Baja.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever features many beaches around Puerto Rico.

Wakanda Forever Beach Spots

Puerto Rico's northern coastline offers breathtaking beaches that played a significant role in the film. Playa Las Palmas in Manatí, a sprawling sandy beach with open waters, appears prominently in the movie. While it's a perfect spot for photography and film scenes, swimming is discouraged due to the strong tides. A poignant moment featuring Angela Bassett reflecting on a beach was beautifully captured at Punta Cibuco in Vega Baja. Don't miss the chance to embody your favorite character at these locations. 

Hacienda Campo Rico

Keep your eyes peeled for Hacienda Campo Rico in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.

Boricua Flashbacks and more

Situated on a former sugar cane plantation in Carolina, Hacienda Campo Rico is a testament to classic Caribbean elegance. This two-story, open-air plantation house is featured in the film, showcasing its interior patios, balconies, high ceilings, red tile floors, and a striking colonial-style staircase is one of the settings shown during Namor's flashbacks to his childhood. It is one of the settings shown during Namor's flashbacks to his childhood. The hacienda is open to visitors daily, offering activities such as ziplining and horseback riding. 

Keep an eye out for scenes set in Haiti but filmed in the yellow hallways of the Instituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña in Old San Juan, adding another layer of Puerto Rican culture to the film.  

More movies filmed in Puerto Rico

Experience them all

 

The mid-credit scenes of 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever' were filmed at Casa Elvira, a vibrant fuchsia beachfront house designed by local artists in Arecibo. Fans of Black Panther can experience a piece of the movie magic themselves by booking a stay at this unique property.  

Blue Beetle (2023) 

 

"Blue Beetle," a DC superhero movie, shines with a Latino star-studded cast and is directed by Boricua filmmaker Ángel Manuel Soto. The film follows a recent college graduate chosen by an alien scarab to be its symbiotic host, granting him a suit of armor with incredible powers. The movie was partly filmed in Puerto Rico, including in Soto's hometown of Santurce, showcasing vibrant locations that fans won’t want to miss on their next visit to the Island.  

Convention Center

Did you know the Puerto Rico Convention Center was transformed into Palmera City Airport for the movie Blue Beetle?

Beyond Landmarks

If you arrived at Puerto Rico via Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU), chances are you've already driven over the stunning Teodoro Moscoso Bridge featured in the movie, which is typically adorned with Puerto Rican flags. 

It might surprise you that the spacious, modern Puerto Rico Convention Center was transformed to represent Palmera City Airport for the movie. As the largest and most technologically advanced convention center in the Caribbean, visitors can explore the exterior or check the bustling event calendar. 

View of El Morro in Old San Juan.

El Morro is one of the largest fortifications built by the Spaniards in the Caribbean during the 16th century.

Walk the streets of San Juan

Castillo San Felipe del Morro in Old San Juan and its secret passages, served as a base of operations for one of the characters. This historic fortification is open for tours, offering a deep dive into its storied past while you immerse yourself in the world of Blue Beetle. 

Meanwhile, in the nearby area of Hato Rey, you can visit the infamous La Milla de Oro, known as the financial district, that was used as backdrop in the movie. There you can stop by the beautiful Popular Center that has an array of shops, top-tier restaurants, a movie theater, and an open-air terrace known as Plazoleta del Popular Center. This terrace, complete with lush gardens and fishponds, provided a picturesque setting for a couple of scenes. 

Popular TV Shows filmed in Puerto Rico

Uncover the Locations

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Blue Beetle (@bluebeetle)

If you look closely at the background in various scenes, such as when the whole Reyes family drops off Jaime at his job or during a nighttime fight scene, you can easily spot the unmistakable structure of the Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot. The "Choli," as it is known by locals, is the biggest indoor arena in Puerto Rico dedicated to entertainment and sports.

Additionally, the art-filled Calle Cerra significantly contributes to the movie's ambiance with its colorful murals. This street hosts the annual Santurce es Ley Festival, attracting local and international muralists to transform it into a vibrant canvas. A visit here transports you straight to the heart of Palmera City.  

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