FILM-FRIENDLY ZONES
Diverse Locations.
One Film-Friendly Nation.
Huetar Caribe
Costa Rica’s Caribbean region—stretching from the port city of Limón to the southern communities of Puerto Viejo, Cocles, Punta Uva, and Manzanillo—is a high-value cinematic zone known for its scenic diversity and vibrant cultural heritage. Within just a few kilometers, filmmakers will find black and golden sand beaches, coral reefs, tropical rainforests, navigable rivers, colorful Caribbean architecture, and lush vegetation that frames every shot with texture and vitality—all near a mysterious volcano surrounded by singular landscapes, including areas of charred forest. This region offers a striking visual contrast to the drier terrains of the North Pacific, favoring more intimate, humid, and culturally rich environments.
Afro-descendant heritage—especially strong in Limón and the Southern Caribbean—is expressed through patuá (Afro-Caribbean English Creole), calypso and reggae music, cuisine, rituals, and a worldview deeply connected to the land. Towns like Cahuita, Guapiles, Siquirres, and Limón itself contribute a blend of urban, rural, coastal, and jungle settings, allowing for broad narrative versatility. With road access, a regional airport, and a growing network of lodging, technical services, and community support, Costa Rica’s Caribbean stands out as one of the most authentic and emotionally resonant regions for productions seeking cultural depth and a distinctive visual identity.
The Costa Rica Film Commission is continuously working to enhance the accessibility and infrastructure of these Film-Friendly Zones, ensuring that international and local productions can seamlessly integrate into the diverse landscapes Costa Rica has to offer. Whether capturing nature, culture, or adventure, each zone provides an extraordinary setting for bringing stories to life.
Permits Made Simple
National Park, Protected Area & Wildlife Permits
Municipal & Urban Filming Permits
Drone & Aerial Filming Permits
Road & Traffic Control Permits
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