‘Encanto’ Colombia Family Holiday
16 days from £4,770 pp
Bring the magic of Disney’s film Encanto to life on our family adventure holiday to Colombia. Visit charming towns, try delicious local dishes featured in the movie, and explore the magical Rainbow River Cano Cristales. Embark on an adventure in the Amazon Rainforest and connect with nature and indigenous cultures. End your family holiday to Colombia on the Rosario islands, with amazing swimming snorkeling and kayaking.
Trip Highlights
- Follow in the footsteps of Encanto’s Madrigal family, visiting the real-life destinations
- Master the art of Tejo- Colombia’s unique, family-friendly throwing game
- Journey to the most beautiful river in the world, Cano Cristales
- Be wowed by the giant palm trees of Cocora Valley and help with a conservation project
Our Expert Tip
”Colombia runs on ‘tranquil time’, so (much like children!) things don’t always run exactly to schedule. Embrace the pace and way of life and build in time to play, soak up the joy of the colourful towns, friendly locals and amazing activities”
Scarlett, Colombia Expert
Detailed Colombia Itinerary
Day 1: Bogota
Welcome to Colombia! Discover the best of colourful Bogota with your private guide and stop for lunch where you will try the best aijaco in the city. No family holiday to Colombia is complete without trying this delicious heart chicken soup that highlights the nourishing spirit of Colombian family life (much like in the movie, at Isabel’s engagement). Walk and explore the exciting streets with your guide while taking in the highlights and sites with your family. End with a ride on the cable car to Monserrate Hill for the best views of the city.
Day 2-4: The Rainbow River OR The amazon Rainforest
Fly south to La Macarena and head to a hidden jungle lodge from where you can enjoy the most beautiful river in the world. Take a wooden boat upstream the Guayabero River. Looking out for wildlife on the river bank. On this version you still get to enjoy the sound and sights of the Colombian jungle. You finally reach Caño Cristalitos or the Rainbow River; here you can appreciate the Macarenia clavigera plant and bathe in small pools.
Enjoy two full days adventure around this breathtaking natural wonder. Inside the National Park you have plenty of time to hike, have lunch, bathe, and take a lot of pictures. You will get to enjoy an exciting serenade on the river flow with the rhythm of the Guayabero River. Bask under the beautiful sunset while listening to llanera music to be performed by a local artist with his guitar. You will have a chance to horse ride along morichales and the natural savannahs which is a once in a lifetime experience. See the colours and take in the incredible landscape on horseback.
The Rainbow River is open from July – November, outside of these month we visit the Amazon Rainforest instead.
Arrive into the Amazon for your rainforest adventure. Experience a night walk in the primary rainforest and discover the nocturnal creatures of the jungle under moonlight. Listen to the chorus of frogs, spot glowing florescent mushrooms and learn about flowers that only bloom at night.
During your Amazon stay, visit the Chruco Monkey project, a conservation initiative dedicated to protecting these amazing creatures. Enjoy a delicious lunch with the Mocagua community followed by trying your hand at traditional basket weaving. Explore the Amazon landscape aboard a river boat out in search of wildlife and have the chance to spot the elusive pink Amazon River Dolphin.
Day 5-6: Bogota
En route to your hotel in Bogota, stop at the pottery capital of Colombia. Raquira is Bruno’s town, a village straight out of a fairy tale. During your stay, enjoy some slower paced downtime at your hotel where we can suggest a variety of local activities that your family can choose from to make the most of your stay.
Head to a local farm and try your hand at traditional Colombian cooking, visit a workshop to learn about the ‘ruana’; the cozy poncho-like garment worn by Bruno in the movie. Finish your day at a chocolate market, where you can try a delicious warm cup of Colombian hot chocolate paired with bread and cheese. A perfect treat for the whole family.
Day 7-8: Barichara
Continue your family holiday through Colombia with your guide, stopping at the fascinating town of Barichara. Here, take a cooking class to learn how to make the famous arepitas, which are the traditional (and delicious) homemade snacks loved by the Madrigal family. Step back in time as you wander the cobblestoned streets, visit museums and the Chapel of Santa Lucia and soak up the city view from the El Mirador viewpoint.
Day 9-11: Medellin
Your days in ‘The City of Eternal Spring’ are spent exploring on both foot and by cable car uncovering the highlights of Medellin. Explore the historical centre, learn about the community Comuna 13, who have transformed its difficult past into a vibrant hub of street art and culture. Visit the famous graffiti walls, and try your hand at Tejo, a popular local sport that’s fun for the whole family.
Take a day trip to Santa Elena, where you’ll see some of the country’s most colourful flowers in bloom, before heading to the Rock of Guatape. If your family is feeling adventurous, climb the rock together and be rewarded with the magical views on top. Throughout your journey, sample delicious local food and challenge your pallet with Colombia’s culinary delights.
Day 12-13: Coffee Region
Taste the best coffee in South America! Learn about the production from bean to cup. A family of coffee growers will welcome you and show you through the coffee plantations, sharing their best-kept secrets and the soul of coffee in a true, inspiring story.
Journey to the Cocora Valley, famed for its towering wax palms and recognised as the real-world inspiration behind the setting of Encanto, owing to its magical and otherwordly atmosphere. Meet your guide and head into the forest to plant some palm trees, contributing to conservation efforts.
Visit the traditional town of Filandia and wander through the colourful streets. Try your hands at local crafts like traditional basket weaving. Read more about the best things to do in Colombia.
Day 14-15: Cartagena & the beach
Your family holiday to Colombia finishes in Cartagena. This charming city is perfect for exploring on foot with your guide, soaking in the colourful streets. For a unique culinary experience, try our ‘seven paradises’ food tour, sampling a variety of small plates inspired by Colombian and Caribbean flavours.
Experience live Vallenato music, which will have you singing and dancing along to Colombia mi Encanto! Finally, end with some beach time and take a private boat to the Rosario Islands. Enjoy snorkelling, kayaking and swimming topped off with a delicious picnic on this Caribbean Island. Let us know if you would prefer longer on the beach, this family adventure holiday to Colombia is fully flexible and tailor-made to suit you.
Day 16: Depart
Say goodbye to your guide and your time in this amazing country. If you’re looking for Colombia family holidays that offer a wonderful experience for both parents and kids, it’s hard to beat an Encanto adventure to this South American gem.
When to Go
Includes
- All accommodation
- Excursions
- Transport
- Private guides
Excludes
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Visa cost
- Tips
Why Book With Travel Differently
Passionate and experienced
- Each member of the team has over a decade of experience in the industry
- Our 5* client reviews reflect our service & standards
- We are a fully independent & owner-run tour operator
- Our holidays include full financial protection & ATOL coverage
- We are destination experts, ensuring authentic & reliable advice
Committed and Responsible
- We only work with trusted, hand-picked partners
- Every holiday is thoughtfully crafted to ensure a positive impact
- Our tours & experiences are unique, memorable & immersive
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- Judge us by the company we keep. Read more here
Tailor-made and Personal
- No two trips are the same, our holidays are 100% bespoke
- We design personal, genuine cultural connections & experiences
- From planning to travel, you’ll have one dedicated point of contact
- Our support is available around the clock during your holiday
- We take care of the details, so you don’t have to
Need More Inspiration?
Want to combine multi-countries, take less flights, or include a hike in Patagonia? Thinking of a longer sabbatical holiday, or staying in some luxury yurts? It’s all possible; all our holidays are tailor-made with a focus on responsible travel. Take a look at more ideas below, and contact our experts.
