The Colombian Inspiration Behind Disney’s Encanto

For film directors and production designers, research trips provide invaluable insights about destinations and cultures. For the directors of Disney’s Encanto, Byron Howard and Jared Bush, their two-week trip to Colombia was no exception. Together with Lin-Manuel Miranda, who contributed original songs, they explored the country from Cartagena on the north coast to the lush valleys and national parks of central Colombia. Their immersive experience allowed them to gather essential details that enriched Disney’s first feature-length animated musical set in Latin America. The film reflects Colombia’s diverse nature, music, people, food, and culture—elements that were beautifully captured during their trip.

Encanto follows the magical Madrigal family, who reside in an enchanting house nestled in a Colombian valley. The film showcases some of the country’s most stunning locations, ranging from the towering wax palms of Cocora Valley to the vividly painted window sills of towns like Barichara.

Research Trip Insights

We spoke with Byron Howard, Jared Bush, and Charise Castro Smith, another director and co-writer on the film, to learn about the real destinations that inspired the film’s aesthetic.

Impactful Locations Visited

Byron Howard: Our journey took us across the country. We visited major cities such as Bogotá and Cartagena; parts of the film were heavily influenced by Salento, located next to Cocora Valley. The Madrigals’ house reflects the rolling terrain of that valley, noted for its extraordinary wax palm trees that soar to 200 feet. The moment we arrived in that valley, it felt like stepping into a painting, simply surreal.

Jared Bush: Tiny towns like Barichara also left a significant mark on our film. It feels like a town paused in time, which aligns perfectly with our vision to create a timeless and inviting atmosphere. Barichara appears unchanged since a century ago, transporting visitors to a different era. Much of our story and town design stemmed from that experience.

Colombian Culture Reflection

We also ventured to San Basilio de Palenque, the first free town in the Americas, which has deep African roots. Here, we encountered a rich tapestry of Afro-Colombian culture evident in the music and dance. This unique place profoundly influenced the film’s characters and story elements. Despite our limited time—about two weeks—Colombia’s vastness felt like witnessing mere glimpses of an entire world. The magical landscapes, from Los Estoraques to the color-filled Caño Cristales, inspired a sense of wonder we aimed to capture on screen.

Design Inspirations

Howard: During our trip, we met Simón Vélez, an exceptional architect specializing in Colombian bamboo. His insights into Bogota’s vibrant street art and modern architecture greatly impacted our design approach. We drew inspiration from traditional houses set around courtyards, a genuine reflection of family unity that resembles the heart of our animated home.

Bush: Salento, notably, is among the most picturesque places in Colombia, with its uniquely painted doors and balconies. This specific style is vividly represented throughout the film.

Cultural Touchpoints Integrating into Encanto

Charise Castro Smith: My initial research involved examining Colombian food, fabrics, and cultural elements, all aimed at capturing the country’s diversity. Each character’s room in the movie embodies a distinct region of Colombia. For instance, Antonio’s room was inspired by the Chocó rainforest—a destination I aspire to explore.

Memorable Souvenirs from Colombia

Howard: We collected numerous textiles, fabrics, and indigenous art during our travels. The incredible craftsmanship we encountered was unmatched and left a lasting impression.

Bush: I must mention, Byron purchased a tiple, an exquisite string guitar, after being captivated by the music in Barichara. Its sound is reflected in the film, showcasing the harmony we discovered in Colombian culture.

Food Inspiration and Scenes

Bush: Our culinary experiences were rich and flavorful. We sampled a variety of arepas, with the breakfast version standing out as my favorite. Ajiaco, a hearty three-potato soup, made its way into a pivotal dinner scene in the film, further emphasizing Colombia’s culinary heritage.

Smith: We also hosted the entire story team at a Colombian restaurant in Los Angeles, enjoying traditional foods like chocolate con queso—a delightful combination of hot chocolate paired with cheese.

Future Travels and Bucket List

Bush: A significant location I yearn to visit is the Ciudad Perdida near Santa Marta, known for its ancient ruins, accessible through an adventurous four-day trek.

Smith: Cartagena is high on my bucket list. The unique culture, vibrant food scene, and lively music are experiences I eagerly anticipate.

Howard: We also missed the vallenato festival in Santa Marta, highlighting Colombia’s rich musical landscape. Having Carlos Vives involved in our film was a dream come true, given my admiration for his music over the years. Attending that festival would be a captivating experience.