Where Love on the Amazon Was Filmed: Cast Stories

Hallmark’s always had a knack for whisking viewers away to charming towns and dreamy escapes. But this time, they’ve gone bigger—Love on the Amazon isn’t just a love story with palm trees in the background. It’s a full-on jungle adventure that yanked its cast and crew way out of their comfort zones.

Filmed deep in the Amazon, this movie mixes romance, grit, and raw natural beauty. There’s a sense of daring here, but it still feels intimate. And honestly, hearing about what went on behind the scenes is almost as wild as the story itself. If you’re a Hallmark fan looking for something a little less predictable, this one’s probably worth adding to your list.

A Hallmark Romance That Dares to Go Off the Grid

Most Hallmark movies stick to familiar, easy-to-reach spots. Not this one. Love on the Amazon leaned into isolation, shooting in Iquitos, Peru—a place you can only get to by boat or plane.

That choice set the tone right away. The cast and audience both get dropped into the wild, and there’s no faking it here. The rivers, the forests, that constant, buzzing soundtrack of wildlife—it’s all real, and you can feel it in every scene.

Why Iquitos Was the Perfect Choice

Iquitos perches at the edge of the Amazon River, wrapped in dense rainforest. It’s perfect for a story about venturing into the unknown and finding yourself. There’s this untouched, endless feeling to the place—it really does make you believe the characters are far from home.

• Remote access: Only reachable by boat or plane, which just adds to the isolation
• Natural atmosphere: Wide rivers, thick jungle, and that ever-present hum
• Visual authenticity: No fake backdrops or heavy CGI needed

For Hallmark, picking Iquitos was a sign they’re willing to get a little bolder, even as they hang onto their signature romance vibe.

The Amazon Becomes a Character of Its Own

One thing that jumps out in Love on the Amazon? The setting isn’t just scenery. The river shapes everything—the mood, the pace, even how the actors move and react. The noise of water and wildlife is always there, almost like another character in the story.

That immersive vibe brought out a rawness in the cast that you just don’t see in glossy, studio-shot romances.

Filming Felt Like a Survival Challenge

The cast has said it felt more like a survival trek than a typical shoot. Getting dropped into the Amazon meant endless heat, thick humidity, and mosquitoes that just wouldn’t quit.

• Extreme weather: Humid, hot, and relentless
• Wildlife exposure: Insects and jungle sounds everywhere you turn
• Physical endurance: Long days on rivers and slogging through forest trails

The crew did their best to keep everyone comfortable—especially during those drawn-out boat scenes—but let’s be real, comfort is relative out there.

Jaicy Elliot’s Rise as a Hallmark Favorite

Jaicy Elliot’s been on a roll lately with Hallmark. You might recognize her from Grey’s Anatomy, where she played Dr. Taryn Helm. She’s made the jump to romantic TV movies without missing a beat.

In Love on the Amazon, she’s Claire—a woman pulled by family and purpose into territory she’s never known. And it shows.

From Hospital Halls to Jungle Trails

Filming on location pushed Elliot to new places, literally and emotionally. The Amazon’s challenges—heat, exhaustion, the whole mess—gave her performance a realness you can’t fake on a set.

• Emotional depth: Claire’s journey matches what Elliot went through on set
• Physical realism: The sweat and determination are the real deal
• Career momentum: Another strong notch in her Hallmark belt

Her growing Hallmark resume is proof she’s become a fan favorite, and this might just be her boldest role so far.

Rafael de la Fuente Brings Personal Meaning to the Role

Playing opposite Elliot is Rafael de la Fuente as Danny, a riverboat captain with deep roots in the Amazon. De la Fuente’s connection to the region gave his performance a little extra weight.

He’s Venezuelan-born, but this was his first time actually stepping foot in the Amazon. It meant a lot, both professionally and personally.

A Jungle Dream Realized

De la Fuente’s always loved the idea of the jungle, so finally working there was huge for him. The physical demands—especially trekking off the boat into the thick of it—pushed him further than he expected.

• Cultural connection: A Latin American setting that’s close to home
• Physical challenge: Scenes deep in the jungle, not just on the boat
• Career highlight: A standout Hallmark role

His chemistry with Elliot grounds the whole film. Their romance feels natural—nothing forced or overly staged.

A Supporting Cast That Grounds the Story

It’s not just the leads who make this movie work. Love on the Amazon’s supporting cast adds real texture and life. Locals and fellow travelers fill out the world, making it feel like a place that exists beyond the camera.

Even the smaller roles matter. They help build the sense that this is a living, breathing slice of the Amazon.

Notable Faces Along the River

The cast mixes familiar faces and local talent. It’s a blend that keeps things both grounded and fresh.

• Raissa Xavier as Milly
• Omar Pelaez as Bruno
• Persephone Brada-Redman as Amelia
• Franco Silva as Paulo
• Juliana Wimbles popping up as a tourist

Director Colin Theys and writer Juliana Wimbles made sure even the briefest moments felt like they belonged in the story.

Why Love on the Amazon Stands Out in the Hallmark Lineup

At the end of the day, Love on the Amazon still delivers the Hallmark goods—emotional growth, genuine connection, and a satisfying wrap-up. But what really sets it apart is how it leans into discomfort and unpredictability. That’s where the authenticity comes from.

The Amazon isn’t just a backdrop here. It’s what gives the film its pulse.

A New Direction for Romantic Adventure

This movie might just mark a shift for Hallmark, nudging the network toward bolder locations and stories.

• Authentic locations: Real-world settings instead of studio backdrops
• Stronger immersion: Letting nature shape the narrative and performances
• Expanded appeal: Romance mixed with a bit of exploration

For viewers, Love on the Amazon is an escape that actually feels deserved, not just manufactured. It reminds us that sometimes the best love stories happen way outside our comfort zones, in places that surprise us.