A new experience in Colombia highlights Adventures by Disney’s offerings in 2024, with the South American country especially certain to appeal to fans of entertainment company’s recent film “Encanto.” From the moment “Encanto” (Charm) directors Byron Howard and Jared Bush visited Colombia, they felt the immediate connection to the country and its people and knew it would be the home of the Madrigal family, says Disney.
“Every Disney Animation film begins with research, and the trip we took to Colombia as we were developing with Lin-Manuel Miranda immediately brought the story of this magical place and our wondrous Madrigal family to life,” said Howard and Bush. “Colombia is a crossroads of Latin America, and what we learned about family, tradition, music, food and dance were central to the development of the film.
“Our hope was always that ‘Encanto’ could celebrate just some of the many different people and cultures we experienced in Colombia. We are thrilled and touched that so many people… now have this opportunity to experience its magic for themselves.”
“At Adventures by Disney (ABD) we take families to destinations they want to visit around the globe and make it easy to immerse themselves in new places, cultures and experiences,” said Nancy Schumacher, Sr. VP and GM of Adventures by Disney. “We are excited to include Colombia in our 2024 lineup, as this country has been an inspiration for Disney stories that are loved the world over. I’m proud of our team for thoughtfully crafting an authentic travel experience that celebrates this incredible destination.”
On the eight-day, seven-night ‘Colombia: Bogota, the Coffee Region, Cocora Valley and Cartagena’ guided group tour, guests will be immersed in the diverse cultures and landscapes, get a true taste of the local cuisine, and discover the unique characteristics and beauty of the destination.
“The brilliant colours found in neighbourhoods and architecture, the lush, green landscapes with towering wax palm trees and a kaleidoscope of butterflies, family recipes, traditional customs and music will surround guests as they embrace the splendour of the second most biodiverse country in the world through access and experiences as only Disney can provide,” says ABD.
Highlights of itinerary include:
• Visiting the capital city of Bogota, where guests will embark on privately guided tours of the Paloquemao Market and Historic City Centre.
• Enjoying Colombian coffee and visiting a coffee farm in the Coffee Region to see the process for growing and harvesting coffee beans. The nearby town of Salento is part of the inspiration for the setting of
“Encanto,” and the Cocora Valley features the tall, towering wax palms and butterflies as depicted in the film.
• Experiencing a hands-on arepa-making class, a traditional Latin American dish showcased in “Encanto” by Mirabel’s mother Julieta.
• Playing the country’s national sport of tejo, as seen in the film.
• Exploring the city of Cartagena, which inspired the film’s colorful architecture and fabrics. Central to “Encanto” is the Afro-Caribbean influence, prominent in this city.
• Trekking the dry forest near Proyecto Titi, an organization dedicated to the preservation of the cotton-top tamarins, a project supported by the Disney Conservation Fund. It was Colombia’s rich biodiversity that inspired the magical ability of the “Encanto” character Antonio, who has the power to communicate with animals.
• Snorkeling among the Rosario Islands, a collection of 27 islands home to more than 1,300 species of marine animals, vibrantly colored fish and plants.
Additionally, each travel party booked on the inaugural 2024 Adventures by Disney Colombia season will receive a signed lithograph of never-before-released ‘Encanto’ artwork from Walt Disney Animation Studios.
Other 2024 highlights include Canada’s Maritimes, plus an enhanced New Zealand itinerary packed with action and adventure. Bookings open on May 12 and the full line-up of 2024 itineraries can be found HERE.