There’s a song in Puerto Rico that goes, “Nací en la latitud perfecta, donde el sol tuesta y la lluvia refresca,” which translates to “I was born on the perfect latitude, where the sun is toasty, and the rain is refreshing.” And that’s the perfect depiction of the Heart and Soul of the Caribbean. The Island is host to dramatic tropical landscapes that Boricuas love and have captivated filmmakers for decades. If you’re interested in photographing Puerto Rico’s beauty and history, whether you’re a seasoned photographer or starting out, here are a few scenic filming locations around the Island where you can hone your skills and grow your portfolio.
The sprawling green at El Morro is a popular place to fly kites.
Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Old San Juan
Standing guard over San Juan for over 500 years, Castillo San Felipe del Morro is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a prominent feature in many films, including “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides,” “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.” There’s no shortage of places to snap a shot, either on the rolling hills in front, the famous garitas where Spanish sentinels stood guard hundreds of years ago, and much more. If you love picturing historic sites, a visit to El Morro is a must! While any time of day is beautiful in this scenic filming location, sunrise and sunset have a special magic to them.
El Morro fort in Old San Juan.
Explore Castillo San Felipe del Morro in Old San Juan
Enchanting and colorful, a stop in Old San Juan is a must.
Beyond the beauty of El Morro, the historic streets of Old San Juan are a shutterbug’s paradise! The pastel-colored buildings, historic homes and businesses, cobblestone streets, and breathtaking churches make it impossible to snap a “bad” photo and have also been the set for many films. One of the best ways to snap as many pictures as possible is to take a guided tour of the city, where you can take in the sights and learn about its history. Old San Juan’s charm makes it photogenic 24/7, but the holidays bring out a certain sparkle that can’t be matched.
Discover the stories behind the walls of Old San Juan.
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La Perla has been the backdrop for several movies, including Fast Five and Runner Runner.
La Perla | Old San Juan
La Perla, a historic neighborhood in San Juan, served as the setting for scenes in "Fast Five," as well as the place where Daddy Yankee and Luis Fonsi filmed the iconic 2017 hit, “Despacito.” While this historic and colorful community sitting next to the beautiful Santa María Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery might be on your bucket list, this place is still a community where people live. It’s imperative that you show respect and ask before taking pictures of people and their homes.
Note: Find more information about how to plan a visit to La Perla neighborhood.
Float your worries away at Río Espíritu Santo at El Yunque National Forest.
El Yunque National Forest | Río Grande
El Yunque, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. The National Forest system is home to incredible biodiversity, stunning waterfalls, and a breathtaking view from the Yokahú Tower. This rainforest has been featured in countless documentaries in addition to films due to these unique factors. El Yunque is also a scenic place for wildlife photographers to hone their craft, and while it might be tempting to run into the lush tree line—remember to be mindful of the ecosystem and stick to designated trails. Cell phone coverage isn’t great, so it is essential to stay on the trails.
Note: There's so much to explore in the rainforest. Plan your visit using this guide
Vieques & Culebra
Vieques, a smaller island off Puerto Rico's east coast, boasts pristine beaches that were showcased in "The Rum Diary." In addition to its beautiful beaches, the island also has one of the brightest bioluminescent bays in the world, as well as wild horses and a natural reserve. Culebra, located next to Vieques, also boasts similarly beautiful beaches and nature, like the world-famous Playa Flamenco. While sunrise and sunset are great times for most pictures in these panoramic locations, if you want to capture Vieques’ bioluminescent bay, you’ll need to head out later at night with a new or crescent moon to get the best shot—and special equipment might be required.
Puerto Rico is a fantastic destination for capturing stunning photographs.
Tips for Your Puerto Rico Photo Session
Are you starting out on your creative journey? Here are a few helpful tips for capturing stunning images in Puerto Rico, where the incredible backdrops will make every shot a masterpiece
- Consider the time of day: While golden hour offers warm light and is a favorite among photographers, think about the type of photos you want to take. Looking for something moodier? Night-time photography can help you achieve that sultry vibe! Want light and bright? Then midday might be perfect for you. Experiment with what you like, and don’t limit yourself!
- Dress comfy: Taking pictures and walking around all day, whether it is with your camera phone or heavy equipment, can be tiresome. If you’re considering outfit changes, pack lightly with versatile neutral pieces that can be styled differently with accessories.
- Be weather-ready: It’s a tropical island, so pack for warm, humidity, and occasional rain showers. A lens cloth and UV filter to protect your camera are your best friends!
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