If you've ever watched the 1987 action classic and wondered where Predator was filmed, you're not alone.
Millions of fans have asked the same question since the film hit theaters. The dense jungle, roaring waterfalls, and muddy riverbanks looked almost too real to be a movie set.
That's because they were real.
The film was shot on location in Mexico, across some of the most dramatic natural landscapes in the country.
This guide covers every major filming location, what each spot looks like today, and how you can visit them yourself.
I've spent time researching these locations in detail, cross-referencing production records and firsthand visitor accounts to give you the most accurate guide possible.
Where Was Predator Filmed? Quick Answer
The short answer to where " Predator" was filmed is Mexico, specifically in and around Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, and parts of Chiapas.
Most jungle scenes were shot at El Edén, roughly 30 kilometers southeast of Puerto Vallarta, with Mismaloya serving as the crew's base.
Additional waterfall and river sequences were filmed at Misol-Ha and Agua Azul in Chiapas, near Palenque.
The story is set in a fictional Central American country, but the production needed real jungle.
Mexico offered dense rainforest, strong natural features, and solid infrastructure, making it the ideal and practical choice for the film.
Where Was Predator Filmed at? Main Filming Locations in Mexico
Each location in the film served a specific purpose, and together they built a believable world from several real places spread across two Mexican states.
El Edén, Puerto Vallarta: The Primary Jungle Set
El Edén was the heart of the production. This remote eco-park sits deep in the Sierra Madre mountains, and at the time of filming it was raw, untouched rainforest.
The production team carved out paths and set up base camps within the dense vegetation.
Most of the ground-level jungle scenes, including the team's movement through the forest and several Predator stalking sequences, were filmed here.
The humidity, insects, and heat were not special effects. They were very much real.
Today, El Edén operates as an adventure park and welcomes visitors who want to experience the filming location firsthand.
A helicopter prop from the original production is still on site, and a small open-air bar displays behind-the-scenes photos from the shoot.
Mismaloya: The Gateway to the Predator Filming Area
Mismaloya is a small beach town south of Puerto Vallarta that served as the main access point for the cast and crew heading into El Edén. The production used it as a logistical hub.
It's also notable as the location where John Huston's 1964 film The Night of the Iguana was shot, starring Richard Burton and Ava Gardner.
That production put Puerto Vallarta on the map as a film destination, and Predator followed in its footsteps.
For Predator, Mismaloya was largely a behind-the-scenes location rather than one that appears directly on screen.
Misol-Ha Waterfall: Dutch's Famous Cliff Jump
Located in Chiapas, Misol-Ha is a single-drop waterfall that falls about 35 meters into a wide pool.
This is where the scene featuring Dutch jumping from a cliff into the water below was filmed.
The waterfall is surrounded by dense jungle and has a cave that visitors can walk behind.
It's one of the most visually memorable real locations in the film, and it looks almost identical today to how it appeared in 1987.
Agua Azul Waterfalls: The Final Chase and Battle
Agua Azul is a series of cascading waterfalls with striking turquoise water, also in Chiapas.
Several of the film's most intense sequences, including the final chase and portions of the climactic battle, were shot here.
The Cascadas de Agua Azul are part of a national park located roughly 40 miles from Palenque via the road to San Cristóbal de las Casas.
The turquoise color comes from dissolved minerals in the water.
While the camera work makes it hard to immediately recognize the location, the rock formations and water features are clearly visible when you compare the film to current photos.
Palenque, Chiapas: The Lush Jungle Backdrop
The town of Palenque sits near the famous Mayan ruins of the same name and is surrounded by thick jungle.
The production used the surrounding rainforest for additional background footage and establishing shots.
The Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of Palenque is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, drawing thousands of visitors each year.
For Predator fans, it adds another layer to the region's appeal beyond the filming connection.
Complete Guide to Every Major Predator Filming Location
Understanding which scenes match which real places helps you appreciate both the film and the locations on a different level.
The Guerrilla Camp Scenes
The guerrilla camp attack sequence is one of the most action-heavy parts of the film.
These scenes were filmed at El Edén, where the production built a makeshift camp set within the trees.
The cleared areas and dirt paths you see in the film were created by the crew.
The Helicopter Arrival and Jungle Base
The opening helicopter sequence used aerial footage of the Puerto Vallarta region's coastline and mountain terrain.
The team's arrival into the jungle and the establishment of their base camp were filmed within El Edén's forested interior.
River and Waterfall Sequences
The river scenes and major waterfall moments were split between El Edén's river areas near Puerto Vallarta and the Chiapas locations of Misol-Ha and Agua Azul.
The production team mixed footage from both regions seamlessly.
Dutch's Survival Journey Through the Jungle
After the team is picked off one by one, Dutch's solo survival arc takes up a large portion of the film's second half.
The mud camouflage scene and the fire sequence were filmed at El Edén. The location's natural terrain provided everything the production needed without heavy set construction.
The Final Showdown with the Predator
The climax of the film, where Dutch faces the Predator in a final confrontation, was filmed in and around El Edén.
The clearing used for the trap sequence was built within the park area, and the surrounding trees and ground are an authentic jungle environment.
Composer Alan Silvestri's score, with its heavy horn sections and driving percussion, made these location shots feel even more intense on screen.
Behind the Scenes: How Predator Was Filmed in Mexico
Filming Predator in Mexico's tropical rainforest was far from straightforward.
Director John McTiernan chose Mexico for its real jungle feel and workable logistics, with the crew based in Puerto Vallarta while filming in the mountains and Chiapas for the waterfalls.
Principal photography ran from late March to late June 1986, written by brothers Jim and John Thomas from a script originally titled "Hunter." On set, heat, insects, mud, and humidity created constant challenges.
Camera equipment fogged up, costumes soaked through, and the physical toll on the cast was visible on screen.
Arnold Schwarzenegger trained heavily before and during production, as did Carl Weathers and Jesse Ventura.
The original creature design by Richard Edlund was scrapped, Jean-Claude Van Damme left early, and creature effects artist Stan Winston stepped in to redesign the Predator from the ground up, giving it the mandibles and physicality that made it iconic.
Kevin Peter Hall then brought that design to life on location.
Can You Visit the Predator Filming Locations Today?
Visiting the Predator filming locations is more accessible than most people expect.
El Edén now operates as an eco-park offering zip lines, rappelling, hiking, and river activities, with tours available from Puerto Vallarta about an hour away via Hwy 200 south toward Mismaloya.
Little of the original set remains, but the helicopter prop from the film is still there, and the natural terrain is unchanged.
For the Chiapas locations, Misol-Ha and Agua Azul sit near Palenque, roughly five to six hours from Puerto Vallarta or reachable by flight.
Misol-Ha takes about 30 minutes to visit while Agua Azul needs more time. The nearby Palenque ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, make a worthwhile addition to either trip.
Where Was Predator Filmed? Then vs. Now
Comparing the film to current photos of the locations is one of the more satisfying things a fan can do.
How El Edén Has Changed Since 1987
The most significant change is the infrastructure. In 1987, El Edén was a raw jungle with no facilities.
Today it has trails, platforms, zip line structures, and visitor amenities. The commercial development is visible, but the jungle itself hasn't fundamentally changed.
The same trees, the same humidity, the same sounds. The experience of being there still connects to what you see on screen.
What the Waterfall Locations Look Like Today
Misol-Ha is almost identical to its appearance in the film. The waterfall, the pool, the cave, all are intact and accessible.
The vegetation around it has grown denser in places but the core location is unchanged.
Agua Azul has seen more visitor development, with walkways and facilities added along the waterfall chain.
The filming areas are still recognizable, especially when compared side by side with production photos.
Which Locations Still Look Like They Did in the Film
Misol-Ha is the closest match to its on-screen appearance. El Edén's natural terrain is also a strong match, though the added infrastructure changes the feel slightly.
Agua Azul has changed the most due to tourist development, but the water and rock formations are still clearly the same.
Where Was Predator Filmed in Mexico Compared to the Movie Setting
The film never claims to be set in Mexico. This gap between fiction and reality is worth understanding.
Fictional Central America vs. Real Mexican Locations
The screenplay by Jim and John Thomas set the story in an unnamed Central American country, chosen for its association with special forces operations during that era.
The production chose Mexico for practical reasons, not geographic accuracy. For viewers, the distinction doesn't matter.
The jungle is convincing and the locations serve the story well.
Which Scenes Were Filmed at Each Location?
El Edén:guerrilla camp attack, Dutch's survival sequences, final battle setupMisol-Ha: cliff jump scene with DutchAgua Azul:final chase and battle sequencesPalenque region: establishing shots and background footageMismaloya: logistical base, not significantly on screen
Why the Real Locations Made the Film More Realistic
Shooting on location rather than in a studio forced the cast and crew to engage with real conditions.
The sweat, the mud, the physical strain, all of it is visible in the film. That authenticity is part of why Predator still holds up after nearly four decades.
Even 20th Century Fox, which released the film on June 12, 1987, benefited from the realism the Mexico locations provided. The film grossed over $98 million worldwide.
Planning Your Own Predator Filming Locations Tour
Getting to these locations takes planning, but it's very doable.
How to Get to El Edén from Puerto Vallarta
El Edén is about 30 kilometers from downtown Puerto Vallarta. Take Hwy 200 south and turn off just past Mismaloya Beach, then follow the jungle road for about 15 minutes.
You can book a tour through local operators in Puerto Vallarta, rent a car, or arrange a private driver. Tours typically include transportation, park entry, and a guide.
Best Time to Visit the Filming Locations
For El Edén and Puerto Vallarta, the dry season runs from November to April. This is the best time for clear skies, lower humidity, and accessible trails.
The rainy season brings dramatic scenery but can make roads and trails difficult.
For Misol-Ha and Agua Azul in Chiapas, the dry season is also preferable, particularly December through March.
Suggested One-Day and Two-Day Itineraries
One day from Puerto Vallarta:Morning departure, El Edén for three to four hours, return to Puerto Vallarta by afternoon.
Two days in Chiapas:Day one, fly or drive to Palenque, visit the ruins in the afternoon.
Day two, morning visit to Misol-Ha, afternoon at Agua Azul via the San Cristóbal de las Casas road, return to Palenque for the night.
Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
Book El Edén tours in advance during peak season. Arrive at Agua Azul early to avoid crowds.
Bring cash for entrance fees at the waterfall sites. Spanish is helpful but English is widely spoken at tourist-oriented locations around Puerto Vallarta.
Tips for Visiting Predator Filming Locations
A little preparation goes a long way when visiting these spots.
- Pack lightweight clothing, insect repellent with DEET, waterproof footwear, sunscreen, a dry bag, and enough cash for entry fees and tips.
- Avoid swimming in strong currents, watch your footing on wet rocks, and check water conditions locally before getting in.
- For the best photos, shoot at El Edén's river crossing in morning light, use the cave at Misol-Ha as a natural frame, and use the upper walkway at Agua Azul.
- Arrive at Agua Azul early to beat the midday crowds and bring plenty of water for hiking at El Edén.
- Don't assume the locations are close together. El Edén and the Chiapas waterfalls are several hours apart, so plan travel time carefully.
Conclusion
Now you know exactly where Predator was filmed and what those locations look like today.
From the dense jungle of El Edén outside Puerto Vallarta to the waterfalls of Chiapas, each spot played a real role in making the film what it is.
These are places you can actually visit and stand in for yourself.
If this guide helped you, share it with a fellow fan, drop a comment below with which location you'd most want to see, or pin it for your next trip to Mexico.
For more film location guides like this one, check out our related posts.
