The latest film has already hit the headlines for placing the suave spy in more destinations than any other film in Bond franchise history. After a huge amount of jet-setting and injury from doing many of his own stunts on the shoot, tough guy Daniel Craig, has also unwittingly provided thrill seekers with the ultimate travel guide to Latin America!
While some of the filming for the latest flick takes in some peachy spots in Italy and Austria much of the action takes place in spectacular locations in Mexico, Panama and Chile. Interestingly, this time around, the crew have picked areas in which the suited and booted Bond wouldn’t normally appear, with a selection of rugged, barren landscapes and deserts replacing the glitzy polished settings found in the most recent instalments.
Follow in the footsteps of 007 by taking a trip around the hottest locations:
Mexico
The ever-enticing, main gun battle of the film was shot here amongst the desert in Baja California before filming Bond piloting a vintage DC3 plane and parachuting out of the aircraft as he glides over the Sea of Cortes.
The crew also filmed for two weeks near the small town of San Felipe. These locations are so remote and untouched, a helicopter had to ferry the crew and all their equipment in, each day!
Click here to see footage of the lush backdrop of Mexico used in the film, and a short interview with the crew who were brave enough to film important shots from a helicopter
Chile
The climax of the film was shot in the Atacama Desert, which features prominently. Its mystical, barren landscape is used in the film because of its similarities with Boliva- where some of the plot is set. The final showdown was filmed at La Silla Paranal, a renowned observatory, which is roughly 75 miles south of Antofagasta. Situated 6,000 above sea level and built into the crest of a mountain, it is known for housing some of the most advanced telescopes in the world; and is the central hideout for the films villain, Dominic Greene.
Other remote locations in the film can be spotted, such as when Bond and Camille walk through a deserted village in Chacabuco, and an abandoned train station in Baquedano, which is near to the desert where Bond abandons Green.
Panama
Many locations during the film are intended to represent a faux-Boliva and the Old Town of Panama City is one of the most prolific examples. Shooting around the streets and filming the colonial buildings, historic churches and bright, airy squares provide a spectacular, quintessentially Latin backdrop. After meeting at Howard airport, the instant chemistry between Bond and his girl of the moment, Agent Fields mean they quickly head for the hotel. These scenes were filmed in the National Institute of Culture, which was given a full makeover during filming as it’s meant to represent the Bolivian Andeean Grand Hotel.
One of the longest standing members’ clubs but previously a ruin, The Old Union Club was also rebuilt by the production team, leaving a little bit of Bond behind for. The team carefully restored the rubble into a lush, illuminated hotspot, used to film a party held by villain Dominic Green, that Bond infiltrates.
Colon was also filmed, particularly in its residential areas and the Fenix Building, where Bond is given some information about Camille Greene. The area was also used in order to represent Haiti. Coco Solo, once a pretty military town before it was invaded by the US in 1989, was completely refurbished in order to film Bond driving down one of its roads as he calls through to M. The Arboix building also features in the beginning of the film, and in the first fight scene, which spills out from a room and onto a dangerously high balcony.
A boat chase sequence is also filmed in the area near to Cabra Island, which is used as a paradise island for Bond to escape to. Privately owned, the island is on a famous smuggling route, and locals suspect that the lead coffin of Sir Francis Drake lies at the bottom of its coral reef.
Click here to see a video which the locations manager on the shoot James Grant, explains why the area is perfect for the film
The Adventure Company offers tours to each of these destinations, making it that much easier to stomp around the same spots as Bond.
The Turtles, Islands and Mountains Family Holiday is perfect for little boy Bonds’ to explore Panama. Taking the time to visit a marine park, a turtle conservatory and Panama City, each desired travel backdrop is covered on this 2-week tour. Tour Ref for the site is TRFP.
The Atacama and Patagonia tour is perfect to allow grown-up Bond fans to explore the genuine and intended locations in the latest Bond flick. The tour covers Boliva and the Atacama Desert, Chile. This action-packed trip features hiking, trekking, rafting and visiting a remote community- perfect for those wishing to follow Bond on his missions to remote and untouched places. Tour Ref for the site is CL.
The Mystical Mexico tour is great for those wishing to slot themselves seamlessly into a Bond backdrop. The itinerary incorporates tours of Mexico City, ancient ruins, bustling markets and the chance to snorkel in the crystal clear waters of a cenote (an underground river). Tour Ref for the site is MX .
Have you ever been on any of these tours? We’d love to hear from you! Please get in touch or leave a comment.
Thanks for reading,
The Adventure Company
“Adventure is our middle name”
*Pictures courtesy of The Quantum of Solace Facebook Fan Page and Videos courtesy of the Bond blog
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