Hallmark’s newest summer movie, A Machu Picchu Proposal, is scheduled to premiere on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at 8/7c as part of the network’s popular Passport to Love programming event. Featuring real South American landscapes and culture, this romantic film captures the beauty of Peru in a visually stunning way.
At NetFilming, we’re always excited to explore how Hallmark brings its signature charm to international destinations. This time, the filmmakers went all in—with Peru serving not just as a backdrop but as a key part of the movie’s emotional journey.
What Is A Machu Picchu Proposal About?
The story follows Katie (played by Rhiannon Fish), who travels with her brother Dan and his girlfriend Luciana to Peru. Dan’s great idea is to ask Luciana to marry him at the famous Machu Picchu site. But things get complicated when Luciana’s close friend Carlos (played by Alec Santos), a local chef, joins the group. Katie is helping her brother plan the perfect proposal and as she does, her relationship with Carlos starts to change in ways she didn’t expect.
The movie tells a wonderful story that combines travel, love and family. Filming in real places sets it apart from most Hallmark romances.
Where Was A Machu Picchu Proposal Filmed?
This movie was filmed entirely in Peru, which plays a huge role in shaping the film’s identity. Instead of relying on studio sets or generic outdoor locations, Hallmark filmed directly at Machu Picchu, in nearby towns, and throughout the Sacred Valley. Here’s a breakdown of all the main filming locations used.
1. Machu Picchu, Peru
It makes sense that Machu Picchu is the main focus of the movie. The film’s most important scenes were shot at this beautiful New Seven Wonders of the World site.
Several key moments—especially the planned proposal—take place at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its high-altitude terraces, mysterious stone ruins and panoramic views, Machu Picchu adds depth and meaning to the story. The filmmakers used real footage from the site, allowing viewers to experience its beauty on screen with a sense of realism.
Filming here also marks a rare moment for a Hallmark film, as not many productions are given access to such a prestigious and protected location.
2. Urubamba, Peru
The movie was mostly filmed in and around Urubamba, a village in the middle of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Urubamba is a great place to see rural Peruvian life because of its beautiful scenery, artisan markets, and calm environment.
Katie and Carlos visit the town’s markets, try the local food, and talk to the people who live there. This adds a cultural depth to the movie that is rare to get in other places. This place makes the movie feel more like a real trip to Peru.
3. Mercado de Urubamba
The movie shows one specific place in Urubamba: the Mercado de Urubamba, the town’s market. Here, you can see characters roaming around and looking at the booths of local vendors that sell fresh fruits and vegetables, traditional textiles, and handmade goods.
These scenes are bright and full of life, giving visitors a glimpse of what life is like in the Sacred Valley. The market setting also gives the characters a chance to get to know each other better and helps Katie and Carlos’s relationship grow.
4. Salt Mines of Maras (Salineras de Maras)
The Maras Salt Mines, also known as Salineras de Maras, are another famous place in the movie. These old salt evaporation ponds, which are still used today, make an amazing visual effect: a patchwork of white pools that flow down a hill.
This one-of-a-kind scenery is one of the most beautiful parts in the movie. It serves as a peaceful background for the characters’ introspective moments, and it also gives the Peruvian location some historical perspective.
5. The Sacred Valley
The Sacred Valley region as a whole shows up in wide-angle landscape views and journey scenes throughout the movie. The valley is famous for its rivers that twist and turn, old ruins, and peaks in the Andes mountains.
This part of the movie makes it feel more daring. It makes it seem like the characters are not only falling in love but also learning something deeper about themselves as they travel around Peru.
6. Cusco—Church of the Society of Jesus
There is a scene in the movie that takes place outside the Church of the Society of Jesus in Cusco. This Jesuit church from the 1600s is one of the most important colonial buildings in the city.
The Sacred Valley has more natural landscapes, yet its baroque architecture and magnificent façade make a strong visual contrast. It stands for Peru’s long history and mix of cultures.
When Did the Filming of A Machu Picchu Proposal Take Place?
The majority of the filming for A Machu Picchu Proposal took place in January and February of 2025. The actors and crew spent a few weeks filming in some of Peru’s most beautiful places, such as Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. The schedule was tight to capture the perfect weather and lighting for the romantic scenes.
A Machu Picchu Proposal Behind the Scenes
Filming A Machu Picchu Proposal was a bold move for Hallmark—a full, on-location shoot in Peru during which the cast and crew immersed themselves in the area’s unique culture and landscape. Colin Theys led the team to capture more than just beautiful scenery; they also captured the native rhythm and energy to give the story real heart.
Rhiannon Fish, the film’s star, said that shooting in such a real setting was “refreshing,” even though the high-altitude shoots were hard on her body. Alec Santos, who plays Chef Carlos, said that going to traditional markets and local kitchens helped him grasp the culture behind his character’s food-driven mentality.
Even though there haven’t been any remarks from the director or producer on camera yet, IMDb’s production credits show that Colin Theys directed the movie, David Boyles produced it, and Branden James Maxham shot it. These names show that Hallmark is serious about giving people a great visual and emotional experience.
A big part of the crew’s job was to mix written scenarios with real-life conversations, which often led to spontaneous moments that turned into heartfelt bonds. For example, Rhiannon’s true reaction when she tried native Peruvian food was filmed in one take and made it into the finished movie, which made it feel more natural and friendly. A crew member said that locals were also in the movie, playing extras in market scenes. This made the movie feel more real than studio recreations, which is not something you see very often.
A lot of planning had to go into shooting at Machu Picchu with the help of local officials. The production crew got special permission to film at dawn and dusk, which Theys and Maxham regarded as the best times for lighting. These naturally lit scenes, with the film crew capturing ethereal aerial shots, are expected to stand out as some of the most memorable visuals of Hallmark’s Passport to Love series.
A Machu Picchu Proposal Official Trailer
Tune in on June 28, 2025, and let Katie and Carlos’s romance sweep you away to the heart of the Andes.
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