"Apocalypto" is set in the 16th century, during the height of the Mayan empire. The story follows Jaguar Paw (played by Rudy Youngblood), a young man from a remote village who is captured by the Mayans and taken to their capital city, Tikal. After escaping from the city, Jaguar Paw embarks on a perilous journey to find his way back home, encountering various dangers and obstacles along the way.