La apuesta

"La apuesta" (The Bet) is a 1968 Costa Rican film directed by Miguel Salaguero, marking one of only three fictional films produced in Costa Rica between 1955 and 1970. Shot in 16mm before the construction of Route 32, the film follows a bet between two men, Don Abel Mena and Don Ananías Camacho, to reach Limón first using their jeeps. The story includes subplots involving characters like Pachingo, who escapes his father-in-law's pursuit, and the town's farewell to the adventurers. The film showcases landmarks in San José, such as the National Theater and La Merced Church.

The production was influenced by Miguel Salaguero's 1966 trip with Antonio Solís and Juan Vicente Mora, using a jeep called an automula for challenging roads. Salaguero financed the journey himself, traveling from Holy Wednesday 1966 to arrive in Limón after ten days. The film draws on real-life participants from his TV show "La hora de Tiquicia," reflecting authentic Costa Rican rural life and culture.