Where is the Iconic Opening Movie Scene from Predator (1987)
SetJetters finds the filming location of Predator’s opening scene.
By Erik Nachtrieb, SetJetters CEO & Cofounder
Few movie intros hit as hard as the opening scene of Predator (1987). It’s a masterclass in cinematic testosterone: a squad of elite commandos, led by Arnold Schwarzenegger’s “Dutch”, arriving in a UH-1 Huey helicopter at a jungle beach. The chopper comes in low and fast, flares firing as it drops like a rock onto the sand. It’s the perfect entrance for a movie packed with action, suspense, and a legendary alien hunter.
But where was this epic landing scene filmed? The movie places it in the fictional South American country of Val Verde, but the real location is far from the Amazon. I set out to track it down.
Separating Fact from Fiction
In the film, General Phillips (R.G. Armstrong) briefs Dutch using a map of Brazil, showing a location deep in the country’s jungle. However, this is pure movie magic—the real filming didn’t take place in Brazil at all. Instead, the production crew shot the majority of Predator in Mexico, specifically in the region around Puerto Vallarta. Many of the jungle scenes were filmed at El Edén, a popular eco-tourism site known for its lush vegetation and rugged terrain.
One memorable detail from this scene is Arnold Schwarzenegger’s character, Dutch, lighting up a Cohiba cigar while aboard the chopper. Interestingly, the flame was CGI, as smoking wasn’t allowed on the flight.
The Cohiba is one of the most prestigious and sought-after cigars in the world, originally crafted in Cuba and reserved exclusively for Fidel Castro and high-ranking government officials before being released to the public. Known for its smooth draw and rich, complex flavors, the Cohiba has become a symbol of luxury and power—fitting for the cigar-chomping, no-nonsense leader of an elite military squad.
The Jungle Scenes Were Shot in a Tourist Hotspot
While the film portrays an isolated and dangerous jungle, many of the Predator jungle scenes were actually filmed at El Edén, a well-known eco-tourism site near Puerto Vallarta.
Today, visitors can explore the area, which features a restaurant and even remnants of the film's production, including a helicopter left behind by the crew.
The site fully embraces its Hollywood history, with Predator-themed attractions, signs, and photo opportunities for fans of the film. It’s a must-visit spot for movie buffs looking to step into the real jungle where Schwarzenegger and his team battled the alien hunter.
Finding the Exact Spot: Boca de Tomatlán
After analyzing the landscape and checking various locations, I finally found it: Boca de Tomatlán Beach in Mexico.
This small, picturesque beach perfectly matches the terrain seen in Predator’s opening scene.
Key visual clues confirmed the match:
The river that splits the beach in the background of the landing scene is identical to the one at Boca de Tomatlán.
The sand spit extending from the shore matches the film’s geography.
The rocky outcroppings and tree formations align with what’s visible in the film.
When comparing stills from the movie with modern images, the similarities are undeniable. Boca Beach is the place where Dutch, Mac, Blain, Duke, and Pancho made their unforgettable arrival—the most badass helicopter landing in action movie history.
Explore More Movie Locations
If you love tracking down filming locations like this, check out more of my movie location finds. And if you’re hunting for a specific spot from a favorite film, let me know—I’ll track it down.
For an easier way to discover and visit movie locations, try the SetJetters movie locations map. Who knows? Your next trip might just take you to a piece of cinematic history.
