Wheelchair Accessible Adventure Travel

Argentina

Although disabled travellers are not yet able to tango with ease from Tierra del Fuego to Iguazú, Argentina can boast a developing accessible-tourism industry. There has been disabled rights legislation here since 1982, and in 2002 the first Acts were passed to make tourist facilities accessible by law. This certainly doesn't mean that every hotel has rooms with roll-in showers, but main tourist centres and public buildings often have access by means of ramps or lifts. This is a sure sign that travel for all is becoming a priority.

Accommodation
As with everywhere, the more you pay, the higher the standard of service you can expect to receive. Argentina has a range of lodgings available, from international hotels with fully adapted facilities, to backpacker hostels where budget rather than bubble bath is the priority. That's not to say that the disabled budget traveller is not catered for. With some research and effort, and maybe some improvisation, it will be possible to find what you need at an affordable price.

Transport

By air
Good disability services are to be expected from airlines, and all international airports reportedly have accessible toilets. However, travellers on domestic flights to smaller airfields will find fewer provisions. Here, entering and exiting the aircraft may be a manhandling affair rather than with a narrow aisle chair, and staff will not be as highly trained.
By rail
Some buses and trains in Buenos Aires are fully accessible, but this is not yet standard countrywide.
By road
In normal taxis, drivers will usually be happy to help with transfers, but it is worth remembering that they are not experienced in this skill. Therefore, you must always not only give a good explanation in advance of what is necessary, but stay in control of the transfer as it proceeds.
Only in the larger cities is it possible to find wheelchair accessible taxis. In Buenos Aires, try Transpdisc (tel: +54 911 4993 9883; email: info(at)transpdisc.com.ar; www.transpdisc.com.ar).

Personal assistance
Travellers who need a personal assistant can arrange this through Decthird travel (scroll down).

Health
Doctors will know about 'everyday' illnesses, but you must understand and be able to explain your own particular medical requirements. Hospitals and pharmacies may not carry the medication you need, so try to take this with you. It is advisable to pack medication in your hand luggage during flights in case your main bags get lost.

Security
It is worthwhile remembering that as a disabled person, you are more vulnerable. Stay aware of who is around you and where your possessions are, especially during car transfers and similar. These activities can draw a crowd, and the confusion creates easy pickings for an opportunist thief.

Activities
Some national parks cater extremely well for disabled visitors. Iguazú, for instance, has ramped access to tourist buildings, accessible footbridges, and the 'green train of the jungle' (which takes you to various viewpoints) has recently been made wheelchair accessible. Peninsula Valdes, Arrayanes, Nahuel Huapi, Tierra del Fuego and Los Glaciares national parks all have some degree of access and improvements are evident all the time.
For the more adventurous traveller, there is even tutored skiing for disabled people, with equipment hire available, at Bariloche and at San Martín de los Andes.

Specialist travel companies
Decthird Tel: +54 911 4182 - 5469; email:marcelo(at)decthird.com; www.decthird.com

Amapi Expeditions Tel: +56 9 9179365; email: organisation(at)amapiexpeditions.com;
www.amapiexpeditions.com