7 Amazing Destinations in Latin America to Visit in a Wheelchair (That You Might Not Know About)

It's truly encouraging to announce that inclusive tourist destinations are a growing trend in Latin America. More and more places are adapting and opting to make their attractions inclusive so that people with disabilities can also enjoy them.

Ramps at each entrance, functional elevators, accessible walkways, sign language interpreters, and Braille signage are some of the services incorporated in the last ten years. Many of them are endorsed by accessibility and social integration laws.

Below, we'll tell you where you can travel and recommend places to visit if you use a wheelchair or know someone with a mobility disability.

IF YOU'RE THINKING OF TRAVELING IN A WHEELCHAIR, YOUR DREAM TRIP IS POSSIBLE

If you're traveling in a wheelchair, or planning a trip with a family member or friend with mobility difficulties, we encourage you to carefully review this list of inclusive tourist destinations ; book your flight, board a plane, and enjoy a wonderful vacation.

1. MACHU PICCHU, PERU

These Inca ruins are located in Cusco, Peru, and are considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World by UNESCO . At first glance, they seem inaccessible to anyone without extensive physical training. But you'll be surprised to learn that this isn't the case.

Located at an altitude of over 2,400 meters, amidst the steep terrain and rugged ravines of the Andes mountain range, the citadel of Machu Picchu rises majestically amidst green mountains, clouds, and sharp rocks.

Thanks to the initiative of two lifelong friends, Álvaro Silberstein and Camilo Navarro, it's now possible to explore this citadel in a wheelchair . After technical training in the United States and a crowdfunding campaign, these young people have designed a folding steel and aluminum wheelchair that is attracting more and more tourists to fulfill their dream of visiting Machu Picchu .

Silberstein, who has used a wheelchair since she was 18 due to a car accident, and Navarro founded Wheel the World . They also offer inclusive tours to Easter Island (Chile) and other notable sites in Argentina, Mexico, and Peru.

2. EXCLUSIVE TRAIL LOS COPIHUES, TEMUCO HILL, CHILE

Park rangers from the National Forestry Corporation (CONAF) are carrying out an interesting program called Forest Therapy on the Los Copihues inclusive trail.

The idea is to experience nature in the open air, not only by walking along the perfectly wheelchair-accessible path , but also by feeling the textures and seeing the colors of the incredible Araucanian landscape at the Cerro Ñielol Natural Monument.

What is the correct posture in a wheelchair? We'll tell you what you should pay special attention to when getting a chair and how to sit properly.

3. IGUAZU FALLS, MISIONES, ARGENTINA

More than 90% of the trails in Iguazú National Park are accessible for visitors with special needs. It features 8,000 meters of retractable walkways and trails that allow wheelchair access to the famous Devil's Throat balcony.

This destination features handrails for short-sized visitors, access ramps, and wheelchair spaces on the Jungle Ecological Train, as well as special wheelchairs for easy access to the park's walkways. There are also motorized carts for elderly or disabled guests.

4. SEA WITHIN REACH, ACCESSIBLE BEACHES IN URUGUAY

Piriápolis, Punta del Este, and Canelones have been pioneering coastal cities in Uruguay in developing a series of beach-accessible resorts . The national program is called "Accessible Beach" and offers adequate infrastructure for wheelchair users, seniors, and people with reduced mobility.

Shaded areas, changing rooms, beach mats, amphibious chairs, safety equipment for swimming in the ocean, and accessible restrooms are some of the services available to you if you travel to these beach destinations in a wheelchair.

In line with the initiative to democratize the resorts, a team of recreation workers, lifeguards, physical education graduates, and sports and tourism promoters has been made available to those who wish to participate and enjoy this inclusive project.

5. COSTA RICA AT THE FOREFRONT OF INCLUSION

There are many inclusive destinations to discover in this country. Costa Rica boasts being one of the most accessible countries in Latin America , as most tourism companies have adapted their tours for people with disabilities. All of this has been achieved thanks to Law 7600, which establishes equal conditions of quality and access for all residents of the country.

This is why most hotels, inns, and spas are adapted for people with reduced mobility and wheelchair users . Also, the most important National Parks, such as the Poás Volcano, Manuel Antonio National Park, and Carara National Park, are also adapted.

6. CANCUN, THE MYSTERIOUS PARADISE

One of the must- do wheelchair-accessible tours is the visit to the incredible ruins of Chichen Itza , capital of the Mayan empire, and the discovery of the mysterious cenotes located nearby. In Cancun and the Riviera Maya, there are many tour companies that offer assisted tours of this type, offering numerous opportunities to explore Mexico.

7. ECOTOURISM IN SALVADOR DE BAHIA, BRAZIL

Located in northwestern Brazil, Salvador de Bahia is known for its Afro-Brazilian culture, Portuguese colonial architecture, tropical coastline, and eco-adventure tourism, which focuses on protecting nature through the conscious use of resources and preservation.

Itacaré is one of the most beautiful places with the most activities for people in wheelchairs or with reduced mobility , as they have developed many adapted routes and excursions led by the best professionals. The entire city has trained personnel who guide you through forests, jungles, and waterfalls, ensuring your comfort and safety.

Itacaré also offers a wide range of suitable and inclusive accommodations for a relaxing vacation surrounded by nature. And for those who dare, you can try some extreme adventure sports, for which there are instructors and well-equipped facilities. Do you already know where you'll go?

TRAVELING THE WORLD IN A WHEELCHAIR IS POSSIBLE

We hope that more and more places in Latin America will embrace inclusive tourism . We mustn't forget that inclusive doesn't mean exclusive; quite the opposite.

Inclusive is something for everyone, equal. An opportunity for everyone to have the same chance to be surprised, to visit, and to be dazzled by the wonders of each destination on their trip. Without dealing with obstacles, prejudice, discrimination, or ineffectiveness.

We must continue fighting to ensure that tourist sites not only have accessible restrooms, wheelchair ramps, and special elevators, but also have trained teams of people who can make each experience unique .

If you enjoyed this article, be sure to check out another one we've designed and written especially for you: 10 Essential Tips for Traveling the World in a Wheelchair.