Just a few days before its release, Paramount Pictures unveiled an official teaser of its highly anticipated film “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts,” generating great excitement among fans of this Hollywood mega-production that chose the breathtaking Peruvian landscapes of the Andes as the main backdrop for its new installment.
Cusco, globally recognized as one of the most fascinating destinations, captivates visitors with its tourist attractions and impressive history, beautiful landscapes, and unique traditions. However, here’s another reason to visit Machu Picchu and other points of interest, as they also served as filming locations for the seventh installment of the film saga shot in Peru.
In 2021, the production team of Paramount Pictures spent several months capturing spectacular scenes for “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts” in iconic places of Cusco, such as the majestic archaeological site of Machu Picchu, Sacsayhuaman, the Plaza de Armas of Cusco, Plaza de San Pedro, the Cusco-Quillabamba highway, and different natural settings in the San Martin region of Peru.
The combination of cinematic magic with the stunning beauty of these Peruvian destinations has brought forth an unprecedented cinematic experience. Now, Transformers fans and travel enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the same energy that enveloped the actors and production team during the filming in these impressive locations.
No Spoilers!
The upcoming Transformers installment will take the audience on an exciting journey back to the ’90s, introducing the Maximals, Predacons, and Terrorcons in the epic battle between Autobots and Decepticons on planet Earth. However, despite these new additions, the legendary Optimus Prime will continue to be the film’s main character.
The director mentioned, “The Predacons in this movie will have a more reptilian appearance. Although we have seen them in previous Transformers installments, this time we want to present them with a fresher and more surprising look for the audience.”
Where was Transformers Rise of the Beasts filmed?
Transformers film in Cusco Peru
The film director, Caple Jr, chose the historic city of Cusco because of “the spiritual connection felt in sacred places.”
Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu, our wonder of the world and UNESCO World Heritage Site, was chosen as the perfect location to film several key scenes of the movie. It’s worth mentioning that this sacred place had never been used as a filming location before.
Before the filming began, the production team had the opportunity to take part in a significant moment. Accompanied by a shaman, they performed a sacred ritual in the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu to express gratitude to Pachamama (Mother Earth) and seek blessings for the film’s success. This act of respect and spiritual connection with the sacred environment of Machu Picchu is undoubtedly an extraordinary component of the movie experience.
“In this installment, we introduce new characters and robots that have never been seen in these movies before. We thought that capturing these characters in the stunning and beautiful wonders of Peru would truly highlight them,” said the director.
Plaza de Armas Cusco
It also plays an essential role in the film. The actors were delighted with the parade in the square, with around 700 local people participating, playing supporting roles, wearing traditional costumes, and working as artisans responsible for creating gigantic allegories.
Sacsayhuaman
At the top of the Sacsayhuaman Fortress are three towers, one of which was also the setting for some fantastic scenes in “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.”
Abra Malaga
Connecting the Cusco-Quillabamba route and located between the Veronica snow-capped mountain and other hills, Abra Malaga was also used in the film. Travelers who embark on the Inca Jungle trek descend by bike from this point until they reach Santa Maria for rafting on the Vilcanota River.
The producers also considered the Peruvian Amazon to film some impactful scenes.
The Impact of Tourism in Cusco Thanks to Transformers
The occasion of having Machu Picchu, Cusco, and Peru chosen as settings for one of the most important sagas in the audiovisual world has created a unique opportunity to promote tourism, once again putting the “navel of the world” in international news.
In 2021, Cusco was the filming location for both “Transformers” and “La Reina del Sur,” both productions generated an economic and tourist revival in the imperial city.
The consequences of the production of Transformers in Cusco will enhance the role of the Incas in the world. It is another opportunity to showcase Andean culture’s impressive engineering and creativity, one of the most important in the Americas. We are confident that releasing the highly anticipated movie will help boost tourism in every corner of the world for a long time, making it one of this era’s most important tourist destinations.
Transformers arrive in Cusco, Peru, in June 2023
Just one week before the worldwide premiere of “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts,” excitement has already taken hold of Cusco.
The people of Cusco decided to advance the festivities a bit and held an incredible parade to celebrate the economic and tourist revival in the imperial city. Numerous people, both children, and adults, could enjoy traditional dances and allegories inspired by the movie. Additionally, attendees were surprised to see an Autobot with an Inca style.
Cusco is in full celebration mode as it is one of the main settings for this new movie, along with Amazon. Furthermore, throughout June, Cusco celebrates its anniversary throughout the region. The streets are filled with colorful traditional costumes, dances, and representative dishes of the imperial city, such as chiriuchu.
One of the essential celebrations also held in June is Inti Raymi, or the Festival of the Sun, a symbolic ceremony performed by the Incas to thank the Sun God for bountiful harvests. This festival attracts visitors from around the world who want to witness the celebration and immerse themselves in Inca culture. This is yet another reason to visit Cusco, Peru.
Peru, a captivating cinematic destination! Undoubtedly, these film is a significant step towards positioning Peru as a film location and reactivating tourism.
- Extra Fact: “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts” will premiere in Peruvian theaters on Wednesday, June 7, one day before its worldwide release. Pre-sales are now available in all cinema chains.
Peru shines on the big screen
As a local tour operator, at Salkantay Trekking, we are proud to be Cusqueños and be in the world’s eyes. Undoubtedly, they chose the best country to film the Transformers movie. This film will not only be incredible to watch in these ancestral lands but will also greatly boost the tourism sector in Peru, which has suffered greatly during the pandemic and political conflicts. It will show the world what this fantastic country has to offer in terms of history and natural beauty.
Are you excited about Peru’s appearance in “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts”? After reading this blog, we know you will have even more desire to visit Peru.
We are confident that this movie will be a success and showcase the incredible country that Peru is, especially our beloved Cusco. Get ready to witness the fusion of Transformers’ action with the astonishing beauty of Peruvian landscapes. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the places that became part of this story.
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