A wheelchair is no barrier to go beyond borders and explore the world. Peru welcomes thousands of tourists with disabilities every year, and of course, View Latin America is waiting for you. As smart travelers, we invite you and your travel companions to check the following tips to be ready and enjoy the land of the Incas at its most in a wonderful trip!
Tips before starting the trip
Congratulations on choosing Peru as your destination! Once you are done with clothing, journals and more, you should do the following also:
- Contact your travel agent, airline, restaurants and all service providers to let them make the necessary arrangements. Be specific when describing a disability. This will translate into more specific conditions and services for your comfort and security. Some agent might not be aware of the range of possibilities, thus letting them in advance is the best way to have a win-win situation.
- Consider a private tour. Private tours let you go at your own pace and share your visit only with your travel companions. You can have a personalized trip with less worries and troubles. In non-private tours, you will need to keep up with all the rest of the group, and this can be tiring and troublesome.
- Talk to your doctor about the trip. Weather conditions, altitude, some ingredients on food, water, and other conditions in the journey might have influence on your health. Tip: a letterhead of your doctor agreeing on the trip can be helpful for some hassles. Bringing the contact information of your doctor is also a good idea. Extra medication is a must.
- Find information about physicians in Peru. Physical medicine is growing here, and View Peru can offer you available physician services in all your destinations.
- Prepare your mind. Having a strong mindset will let you deal with both your desires and barriers. Tracking a list of what you want to do and sharing it with your travel companions will lead to the fulfillment of your expectations. A good attitude to embrace barriers in your journey along courage and joy are the keys to overcome any fear as a traveler with disabilities.
Tips for transportation
Transportation can be difficult sometimes, however having these tips on advance will make your trip more comfortable:
- Take direct flights. Avoiding connection hassles like checking in the wheelchair or security queues. However connecting flights are more convenient in case of troubles using the airplane lavatory.
- Allow plenty of time for transportation. You might need extra time in queues for flights to Peru or the bus to Machu Picchu. Do not hesitate to call for help to the transportation staff if needed.
- Know your terrain. Is your route covered with dirt, cobblestones or pavement? Is there wheelchair access? Tip: get information on access to attractions, hotels, restaurants, and other facilities during your trip with your travel agent in advance.
Tips for your vacations in Peru
Peru is a wonderful country and Peruvians love to share their culture to visitors worldwide. There are some tips for your stay.
- Check the condition of your wheelchair. Ensure to bring spare parts and tools as it can take some unexpected damage during tours. Travel companions should also be able to dismantle the wheelchair as it might be required for certain situations. Useful tip: bringing documentation related to it can be helpful too.
- Be aware of your rights as you travel. You should make yourself familiar with regulations like the U.S. Air Carrier Act, The American With Disabilities Act, or the European Rights for Travelers with Reduced Mobility. This can contribute to make your accessible travel into a wonderful one. In Peru, as foreigner and as a person with a disability, Ley N° 29973 ensures the cultural development of people with disabilities, accessible buildings, and communication in all formats for other types of disabilities among other rights.
- Understand cultural shock. Implementation of the rights for people in wheelchair is being done gradually, however people in the streets or in small towns will help you and your travel companion as far as you need. A good tip for your trip is to explain them what would be the best way to overcome any situation kindly and both of you will earn a valuable experience.
- Have a conversation with your peers. A good talk always can be a source of good feelings and a starting point for a friendship. Travelers with disabilities are also exploring the land of the Incas and they might have plans for other destinations too! Additionally, if you have some Spanish skills, you can reach the local community through a nice talk.
- Be patient. Some attractions, shops, government agencies, and other buildings do not have wheelchair access yet. In case of ancient ruins, you might have a limited view of them as it is not permitted architectural modifications on them. Local government strives for inclusion and access for disabled people is being implemented on several buildings across all cities and towns in the country.
As mentioned before, we love to share the best of our country with travelers. A wheelchair should not be thought as a barrier for exploring the land of the Incas and feel its magic. Things can go wrong in your stay, but being positive will take you further than you can imagine.
View Latin America has trained staff with a heart as big as their experience. All our tour guides are fluent in English with plenty of practice in traveling. Booking with us not only will ensure your comfort, but also a great companion along your journey. Contact us and start allow yourself a new adventure in a trip.