It's no secret to anyone that Disney's movie "Encanto" broke all stereotypes, highlighted the best of Colombia and broke box office records during its first week.

With the colorful characters, enchanting magic and catchy songs, this movie has many things that have made it a fast favorite. 

Discover in this article, 5 magical Colombian landscapes that served as inspiration to recreate Encanto: 

 

1- Caño Cristales

The scene at the beginning of the film was inspired by Caño Cristales. Known as the "river of the five colors", located in the Sierra de la Macarena National Park, in the department of Meta, it offers an incredible natural spectacle every year between July and November.

Travel Tip: Between the months of July and November, when the river water rises, this place offers a unique natural spectacle in the world, dyeing before the eyes of those who observe it.

Dare to visit Caño Cristales with a 3 days and 2 nights tour and explore the most exotic river in the world. Enjoy a unique experience in South America, visit the Sierra de La Macarena and fall in love with this explosion of color that only the exuberant Colombian nature offers. Make your reservation here.

 

This is the place where the magic begins. During a brief scene, Encanto is transported to the magical river of the five colors, located in the Sierra de la Macarena National Park, in the department of Meta. / Photo: Jose carlos Zapata flores

 

2- Cartagena

The incredible 'walled city' is one of the oldest in the country, so its magic and undeniable beauty could not be left out of Disney's new creation. Its walls are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its charming beaches and exquisite gastronomy make the city a fun and fascinating place.

Its fortifications, which date back to colonial times, were declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco.

Travel Tip: Head to the heart of the Caribbean with this Cartagena Mangrove Canoe Tour and explore one of Colombia's most exotic and diverse ecosystems while learning the art of local fishing.

 

Cartagena is famous for its rich culture and traditions. It also has an incredible and unique architecture that has been the setting for several Hollywood movies. / Photo: Starcevic

 

3- Salento

In the municipality of Salento, where the imposing Cocora Valley is shown, was another place chosen by Disney to recreate the architecture of the houses, but also to highlight Colombia's national tree, the wax palm.

Travel Tip: Discover Salento, one of the typical villages declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and get to know the Wax Palm in the Cocora Valley, Colombia's national tree, with this Private Excursion to Salento and Cocora Valley, book here!

 

Tucked away in the El Mirador area is Salento, a small Colombian town characterized by its traditional architectural beauty, mountains and beautiful landscapes. / Photo: marcelot87 from Pixabay

 

4- Coffee growing region

This coffee growing region was declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, due to its cultural weight. For this reason it is also known as "Paisaje Cultural Cafetero" (Coffee Cultural Landscape). It is located between Medellin and Cali, and offers a thematic tour through its coffee plantations, allowing us to explore the history and production of the seeds of this famous beverage. Likewise, you will be able to learn about its architecture through constructions that are close to the area. 

 

Dare to travel to the epicenter of Colombian coffee production and trace the origins of the contents of your cup of coffee / Photo: PolacoStudios

 

Travel Tip: Discover the richness of the Coffee Cultural Landscape from another perspective: aboard an exciting hot air balloon. You can't miss this! Book now a Hot Air Balloon Ride in the Eje Cafetero.

 

5- Cauca Valley

In the movie Encanto there are also references to traditional festivities such as the candles day, characteristic of regions like Valle del Cauca. Valle del Cauca has its capital in Cali, and is one of the most populated regions of Colombia. It is a region with an enormous diversity of landscapes ranging from the valley itself, to the Western and Central mountain range.

Travel Tip: If you want to live a complete traditional experience in Colombia, we invite you to experience the wide variety of flavors and aromas of Cali's cuisine on this Street Food Tour. Try everything from an exotic mangosteen, the classic corn arepa, to a delicious blancmange. 

 

6- The Colombian Amazon 

The Amazon rainforest could well be just another character in the movie. The truth is that within the territory of Colombia, the Amazon is an immense natural region in the south of the country, no less than 40% of the Colombian territory. At the same time it is a sparsely populated area. The lush forests, jungle, greenery and diversity of natural life in this region is also present in the film.

Travel tip: Spend a day of adventure in the Tanimboca Nature Reserve near Leticia, Colombia. Book an Amazon rainforest excursion, including canopy tour, kayaking and more - click here! 

 

In the extreme south of Colombia, bordering Brazil and Peru, is Leticia, gateway to the Amazon in Colombia, where you will find many exciting attractions / Photo:jkraft5

 

With Encanto, we once again proved that Disney has the ability to create witty stories with a touch of sweetness and, in recent years, has also had the luxury of exploring different cultures and customs. 

"The truth is, gift or no gift, I'm just as special as the rest of my family." - Enchantment. 

 

By: Nathaly Bosch, social communicator by profession and curious traveler by choice. Spanish editor for Daytours4u.