The Lost City: The breathtaking locations of the adventure starring Sandra Bullock and Channing Tatum
Set on a picturesque, nameless island , The Lost City (2022) captivates the viewer with breathtaking landscapes and meticulously crafted sets, which form the backdrop to the daring adventure of a famous romance novelist and her charming “cover man”, played by Sandra Bullock and Channing Tatum .
The story follows the protagonist's kidnapping by an eccentric billionaire and her journey to uncover the mysteries of an ancient city described in his books, while her companion bravely attempts to save her. Directed by Aaron and Adam Nee , the film spans a variety of environments, from lush forests to evocative underwater caves, offering a perfect mix of action, humor, and dreamy natural settings .
Where was it filmed?Filming took place mainly on the enchanting island of the Dominican Republic , a film destination for many famous films such as Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, Fast & Furious 7 and the more recent Shotgun Wedding .
PortilloThe Portillo region is famous for its sunny beaches and stunning coastline. However, what really caught the production team's attention was the lush jungle. Many of the scenes set in the forest were filmed here, including Loretta (Sandra Bullock) and Alan's (Channing Tatum) escape from the archaeological site where they are being held captive, and the memorable motorcycle attack scene.
The archaeological site was established on a coconut grove called West Grove , in the same area. The excavation area was dramatically transformed, with tents and work tables to underscore Abigail Fairfax's (Daniel Radcliffe) lack of interest in archaeology and her obsession with the appearance of grandeur.
According to Conde Nast Traveler, Radcliffe explained on set: " Anytime you walk into sets like this and see the amount of work that went into it, you're amazed. And that helps the audience understand who Fairfax is. He's not really interested in archaeology; he's just interested in the glitz and the show."
Altos de ChavónThe lively town where we first see Loretta and Alan dancing together, cementing the budding romance that develops throughout the film, was filmed in Altos de Chavón . The village was built in the 1970s to evoke 16th-century Mediterranean villages, with cobblestone alleys and wooden shutters. With its picturesque, idyllic style, the town provided the perfect backdrop for the couple's romantic moment.
Altos de Chavón is also a popular tourist attraction, famous for its 5,000-seat Roman amphitheater located near the Chavón River, which has hosted concerts by the likes of Frank Sinatra . The town is also near the tranquil Casa de Campo resort, known for its luxurious villas and refined atmosphere.
Sacoa FallsThe sparkling waterfalls would undoubtedly immediately capture anyone's attention, and the site is easily accessible to the public for a visit. Located in Los Haitises National Park , Salto de Sacoa waterfall was the stunning location chosen by the production team for the entrance scenes to Kalaman's tomb . As Loretta and Alan explore the area in search of the hidden entrance, the lush vegetation and crystal-clear water reveal themselves from every angle, creating a breathtaking and dynamic backdrop that contrasts with the darkness of the cave they are about to enter.
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The water cascades into a pond surrounded by valleys and wild vegetation, creating a scene so evocative it almost seems like a postcard. The park is located near the capital, Santo Domingo , and boasts vast mangroves and subtropical plants, making it a true natural gem in the Dominican Republic.
Iguabonita CaveWhen Loretta and Alan venture to Taha and Kalaman's tomb , they try to escape through a network of underwater caves and grottos. In reality, three different locations were used, expertly combined to recreate the complex and disturbing system shown on screen.
Among these is the underground cave of Iguabonita , located within Scape Park (in Punta Cana ), a well-known outdoor adventure park popular with both tourists and locals. Its narrow passages and dark, winding corridors test even the bravest travelers, while the vast, majestic open cavities are literally breathtaking. This evocative underground setting has contributed to the atmosphere of gloom and melancholy surrounding the tombs of Taha and Kalaman, whose remains tragically symbolize lost love and the painful loss of Taha.
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Another key location for the cave scenes was Pinewood Studios in Juan Dolio . The studio is famous for its massive water tank, used to film the underwater sequences in which Loretta and Alan desperately swim towards the boat during their final escape.
With sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea , the reservoir has been the backdrop for many recent films featuring deep blue waters, such as M. Night Shyamalan's psychological thriller Old and Johannes Roberts' survival horror 47 Meters Down. While The Lost City was shot primarily on location, the production also took advantage of the state-of-the-art interior sets provided by Pinewood Studios.
Samana, Las TerrenasThe Lost City ends with the fairytale image of Alan galloping along the beach on his white horse, wearing a white ruffled shirt and his blond hair blowing in the wind. This scene is made even more evocative by the tranquil landscape, white sands, and turquoise waters of Samaná Beach in Las Terrenas. It is one of the beaches along the island's north coast that has remained virtually untouched by the tourist industry, offering a spectacular and authentic view.
Samaná also served as the third location for the film's underground cave sequences, particularly those along the northeastern part of the beaches. The underwater caves proved to be the perfect setting for filming the scenes in which Loretta and Alan wade through the water toward Kalaman's tomb. Inside the caves, several murals and carvings made by the native Taíno people are visible, often depicting sharks, deities, and whales.
These caves have already gained fame as an iconic backdrop for beloved films such as Jurassic Park . According to local press reports, the film crew stayed in Samaná during filming, completely immersing themselves in the area's natural beauty.
