In Latin America there are some noteworthy wheelchair assessable travel destinations. Machu Picchu in Peru, Iguazu Falls between Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina, and many others have the facilities that make visiting these locations possible by wheelchair or individuals with limited mobility.
There are certainly more, but in this list we’re covering five of the most important places where travelers in wheelchairs can enjoy the sights and culture of Latin America.
Cancun, Mexico
The Mexican Caribbean is a palce where wheelchair users can enjoy their vacations to the fullest. There’s thorough consideration of their needs from the airport to the hotels. Visitors with special needs can rent equipment, ramps, and even enjoy exclusive access to beaches.
Additionally, there are options for archaeological tours to sites like Chichén Itzá, which is a famous ancient Mayan city of great historical and cultural value. Travelers in wheelchairs can board buses with special facilities and are accompanied by expert guides to assist throughout the day.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is one of the nations that has become one of the most inclusive travel destinations in Latin America.
Due to a government initiative, travelers in wheelchairs will find exclusive facilities for their needs that allow for great tours of places such as Poás Volcano, Manuel Antonio Park, and Caraca; all incredibly biodiverse locations.
Costa Rica’s natural parks have expert guides who not only offer intriguing explanations of the area, but also help with this unique segment of tourism. Traveler experiences can include boating and hiking in the national parks using Joelette Wheelchairs.
Iguazu Falls, Argentina
This stunning location is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and its easy for wheelchair users to visit the tourist areas along the Argentine National Park.
Visitors will find over 8,700 yards of walkways and trails that travelers in wheelchairs can use to reach Devil’s Throat, the best viewing point of the falls. Rails and ramps make the walkway more friendly to anyone with mobility challenges.
Los Copihues, Chile
This as an extraordinary forest that travelers in wheelchairs can enjoy thanks to the Forest Therapy program. Forest Therapy is a Chilean government program that allows for wheelchair-bound people to happily experience life surrounded by lush nature.
The inclusive Los Copihues trail has wheelchair-accessible paths that allow travelers to experience touching the bark of trees, feeling the textures of leaves, and just admiring the biodiversity of this protected area where the famous Cerro ñielol Natural Monument and Villarrica National Park are located.
Machu Picchu, Peru
To get to these ruins travelers must make a steep climb to the heights of the Andes, but for people in wheelchairs that’s not a problem because the company Wheel the World offers tours in which visitors use a special steel and aluminum chair that allows them to climb the mountain and enjoy the path to reach the sacred city of the Incas.
A four-day itinerary tour combines cultural and natural sites plus adapted biking, a visit to Ollantaytambo on a Joelette Wheelchair, and a city tour of Cusco. Additionally, there’s a wide choice of accommodations with accessible rooms and support for special requirements.
Ready for Latin America?
Latin America has a lot to offer travelers, and especially travelers with special needs such as wheelchairs. Let’s hope the rest of the world can follow Latin America’s model and the whole world can be easily accessible to travelers in wheelchairs.