Film crew in Old San Juan.

Set Jetting in Puerto Rico: Follow Hollywood's Footsteps

Lights, camera, action! Learn more about cinema in Puerto Rico while visiting the places that graced the silver screen.

Close your eyes for a moment and imagine a place of diverse natural beauty, miles and miles of beaches, over 500 years of storied history, a vibrant culture, delicious food, and, for US travelers, no passport required. While this sounds like a dream, this enchanting experience awaits those who travel to Puerto Rico, the heart and soul of the Caribbean. And, chances are, you’ve seen Puerto Rico without even stepping foot on the island. The Island has served as a stage for many films, ranging from indie films to blockbuster knockouts like “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides,” “Fast Five,” and “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” to name a few. 

With the pandemic slowing travel to a crawl, people used their favorite TV shows and movies to see the world safely. Now that things have calmed down, a new trend gained traction, inspired by that love of TV and films. Set-jetting is a type of travel where you visit destinations featured prominently in movies, TV shows, and other forms of media, and Puerto Rico is no exception! With all the movies and TV shows that have been filmed in Puerto Rico (or used as inspiration), you’ll have a packed trip and many places to visit.

If you’re curious about set-jetting and planning a trip around TV and film, we’ve got you covered.

An aerial shot of the La Perla neighborhood of San Juan, Puerto Rico

La Perla has been the backdrop for several movies, including Fast Five and Runner Runner.

What is Set-Jetting?

As the name suggests, set-jetting, a portmanteau of "set" and "jetting," it focuses on visiting locations that have been featured in films, TV shows, or other media productions. The goal is to immerse yourself in the same atmosphere and surroundings that were captured on camera, bringing your experience to a whole new level. This is a unique way to explore Puerto Rico, letting you see famous sites that have been immortalized on the big and small screens. 

Depending on the location, they can include guided tours across different filming locations and even reenactments! Some visitors will even dress up for the occasion, making the immersion even more fun. While this type of movie tourism can be a trip theme, you can incorporate set-jetting themes into any trip, something that you could easily do in your trip to Puerto Rico.

Learn More about Puerto Rico's Culture

Puerto Rico Set-Jetting FAQ’s

Have you seen the crystal-clear waters of Puerto Rico's amazing beaches on screen and dreamt of diving right in? Or the vibrant culture and historic sites ignited your wanderlust. If your travel inspiration comes from the silver screen, you're in the right place! Puerto Rico has a variety of set-jetting locations for you to visit, like those on shows like "Fantasy Island" and films like "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" and "Fast Five." This FAQ will guide you through everything you need to know about why set-jetting is so popular and why you should consider Puerto Rico your next destination.

A film crew captures content in Puerto Ricoi

Set-jetters flock to Puerto Rico's stunning beaches and historic sites featured in popular films and TV shows.

Why Has Set-Jetting Become Popular?

While this trend isn’t new, this niche has increased in popularity over the past few years, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. With many of us sitting at home, we traveled through our screens to beautiful, far-off lands in search of adventure (and maybe a distraction). It's the chance to experience the places we’ve seen on screen in real life and immerse ourselves in that world in a more profound way. There’s something magical about walking through the places and spaces that played the backdrop to some of our favorite stories! 

Set-jetting offers you a fun and new way to explore a new destination while also bridging the gap between fiction and reality. Immerse yourself in the stories and settings you love, whether it’s walking in the footsteps of beloved characters or marveling at iconic landmarks—gain a deeper connection to the scenes you love and see that cinematic history in person. It’s also a great way to find community with others who are visiting those locations for the same reasons! 

You can also gain a newfound appreciation for these destinations, discovering hidden gems and cultural treasures that you may not have seen otherwise. The interconnected world can make places and people that are often much farther away much more visible to us and can help us learn more about them. It’s also cool to learn that places seen in fictional films actually exist outside a sound stage or special effects department and that you could experience the amazingness yourself!

Discover Top Places to See in Puerto Rico

A couple holds a baby close to them, smiling. They stand in front of a coastline.

From urban beaches to secluded getaways, Puerto Rico’s coastline has plenty of options for everyone to have fun. 

Why Should You Consider Set-Jetting to Puerto Rico?

Puerto Rico has a rich film and TV history dating back to the 1900s, with historic productions like 1934’s “Romance Tropical,” the first Puerto Rican film and the second Spanish-speaking film in history. Since then, the island has served as the stage for iconic films and TV shows like “Fantasy Island,” “GoldenEye,” “Fast Five,” and more! From its historic Old San Juan district, featured in films like "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides," to the beautiful beaches in places like Fajardo, Vieques, and Vega Baja, Puerto Rico offers a diverse array of filming locations to explore. 

You can visit places like the iconic Castillo San Felipe del Morro, the hustle and bustle of Santurce, to the stunning Cueva del Indio to put yourself right in the action and experience the Hollywood magic in person! Whether you're a fan of action-packed blockbusters, romantic comedies, or gripping dramas, Puerto Rico has played host to an impressive roster of productions that have used various places on the Island as the location to tell their stories.

A chefs holds out a plate at Frutos del Guacabo

Discover the enchanting Boricua spirit by supporting local businesses like Frutos del Guacabo.

What Are the Benefits of Set-Jetting Tourism?

The rise of set-jetting in Puerto Rico can have a positive impact on both travelers and the locals, generating increased interest and visits for small businesses. 

It also promotes cultural exchange, fostering a greater appreciation for Boricuas’ rich history and traditions. As you explore Puerto Rico filming locations and interact with locals, you can learn more about the Island's vibrant culture, cuisine, and way of life from those who proudly live it every day. In addition, set-jetting can also have a lasting impact on conservation and sustainable travel efforts on the Island. By highlighting the natural beauty of the Island's landscapes, films and TV shows filmed in Puerto Rico inspire awareness of the need to protect and preserve these invaluable resources for future generations. By choosing eco-friendly stays and tours, you can inspire others to support initiatives aimed at promoting environmental sustainability throughout the Island.

Support Local Artisans and Makers

Embark on a Set-Jetting Adventure in Puerto Rico

As the allure of set-jetting continues to captivate travelers around the world, Puerto Rico offers a top-tier destination for those seeking immersive cinematic experiences (that is also passport-free for US travelers). From its historic streets to its pristine natural landscapes, Puerto Rico offers many locations that promise adventure, discovery, and unforgettable memories. 

By embracing the trend, you can explore the iconic settings, support the local economy, promote cultural exchange, and contribute to preserving Puerto Rico's natural and historical treasures. So, pack your bags, grab your camera, and feel like a Hollywood star in an island paradise waiting for you!

Plan Your Boricua Vacation Itinerary

Start Planning Your Puerto Rican Set-Jetting Trip

Explore these helpful resources.

In Puerto Rico, it's easy to find an adventure that adapts to any ability level. 

In Puerto Rico, it's easy to find an adventure that adapts to any ability level. 
Things to Do

In Puerto Rico, discover hidden gems, exhilarating outdoor experiences, and a vibrant Island culture.

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With a tropical rainforest, miles of photo-worthy beaches, flavorful traditional cuisine, and thrilling adventures galore, Puerto Rico is a true slice of paradise. ​​​​​​​

With a tropical rainforest, miles of photo-worthy beaches, flavorful traditional cuisine, and thrilling adventures galore, Puerto Rico is a true slice of paradise.

Places to Stay

Find your perfect paradise in Puerto Rico.

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Transportation

There are several ways to get to Puerto Rico, and even more ways to get out and explore the Island.

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