Wheelchair Accessible Adventure Travel

Costa Rica

I've heard it said that the harder you have to work to get there, the greater the reward will be when you eventually do. This is certainly true if you have mobility problems and wish to explore Costa Rica. Although access is improving and there is now a law mandating equal opportunities for the disabled, there is still a long way to go - to date, few hotels and public buses are accessible by wheelchair. And since Costa Rica has many other more pressing financial problems, it is unlikely to become a priority in the near future.

Carolyn Underwood, who has lived in Costa Rica for 14 years, has this to say to disabled visitors:
'Costa Rica is rather a hands-on, physically involved vacation. It is not an easy country to get around, especially with the roads in such abominable condition. The terrain is rough as the tiny country is resplendent with volcanoes and tropical, dry, and cloud rainforests. It is a wonderful place to come, but it takes work to be here and enjoy all that is available.'

Getting around

On foot - In San José some pavements have sloped drop-offs onto the street. Furthermore, they are often crowded, narrow and difficult to navigate due to numerous cracks and potholes. Public streets and highways are generally in poor condition, again with many potholes. Newer buildings will have wide doorways and lifts to higher floors, but despite attempts by the government to bring everywhere into line, most older buildings remain inaccessible.
By car - The Association of Costa Rican Special Taxis (tel: 296 6443 or 396 8986) has a fleet of 40 wheelchair-accessible vans able to fit up to 15 people. If you use normal local taxis, the driver will usually be happy to help with transfers, but will not be trained in this skill. You must thoroughly explain your needs and stay in control of the situation.
Roads are often bumpy, so if you are prone to skin damage you need to take extra care by placing your own pressure-relieving cushion on top of the original car seat and if necessary, padding around knees and elbows.
It is possible to hire self-drive vehicles, but I know of no company providing cars that are adapted for disabled drivers. If you're not staying in San Jose city, you will need to use a 4x4 vehicle, which will be higher than a normal car making transfers more difficult.
By bus - There was legislation made stating that all buses had to have a degree of access within eight years. This time period expired in 2006, and unfortunately, only some companies in the San Jose area are in compliance. Travelling cross-country by bus is not for the faint-hearted. They are often crowded and getting off and on can be a hectic affair. You will need to ask for help from fellow passengers to lift you to your seat and it is unlikely that there will be an accessible toilet. If you can cope with these difficulties then this is a more affordable option than hiring a car.
By air - San José's Juan Santa María International Airport has jet-ways, wheelchair-accessible ramps, lifts, toilets and preferential lines for non-ambulant travellers. I am also assured that aisle chairs are used, allowing a dignified exit from the plane. However, domestic flights to smaller airfields might not be so trouble-free. Here, entering and exiting the aircraft may be a manhandling affair, and staff probably won't be highly trained or experienced.

Accommodation
Many of Costa Rica's newest hotels have a degree of accessibility, and the more upmarket the accommodation is, the greater the chance that the rooms and bathrooms will be spacious, and that conveniences like bedside telephones will be present. That said, it is still extremely difficult to find an establishment that is fully equipped with grab handles, roll-under sinks and roll-in showers. The budget disabled traveller will struggle to find ideal lodgings, although with some research and effort, and probably some improvisation, this should be possible. Where this is not the case, you should be prepared to be lifted, or do your ablutions in the bedroom.

Activities
Most national parks and attractions lack paved trails, ramps and accessible toilets. The Rainforest Ariel Tram (tel: 257-5961), Poas Volcano National Park and the National Institute of Biodiversity's Biopark located in Santo Domingo de Heredia are some exceptions.
In general, no tourist highlights can be deemed easy, but none are impossible. You may need to be helped, lifted and carried over obstacles and steps, but there will usually be plenty of willing hands to do this. The most difficult aspect of these situations is being the centre of attention, and remaining in control of how you are assisted is again important. Always offer a tip, although sometimes this is not accepted.

Health
Doctors will know about 'everyday' illnesses, but you must understand and be able to explain your own particular medical requirements. It is wise to take all necessary medication and equipment with you and to pack this in your hand luggage during flights in case your main luggage gets lost.
Costa Rica can be hot. If this is a problem for you, be careful to book accommodation with fans or air-conditioning. A useful cooling aid is a plant-spray bottle.

Security
The usual security precautions apply, but it is also worthwhile remembering that, as a disabled person, you are even more vulnerable. Stay aware of who is around you and where your bags are, especially during car transfers. These activities often draw a crowd, and the confusion creates easy pickings for an opportunist thief.

Specialist operators
There are, as yet, few operators who specialise in running disability trips in Costa Rica. Having said that, most travel companies will listen to your needs and try to create an itinerary suitable for you. For the independent traveller, it is possible to limit potential surprises by contacting local operators and establishments by email in advance.
One local agency that specialises in tours for travellers with disabilities and restricted mobility is Vaya Con Silla de Ruedas (tel/fax: 454 2810, 391 5045; www.gowithwheelchairs.com) It has a ramp and elevator-equipped van and knowledgeable bilingual guides. It charges very reasonable prices and can provide anything from simple airport transfers to complete multi-day tours.
The Costa Rica Deaf Travel Corporation (tel: 289 4812) is a local travel agency specialising in making group and individual travel arrangements for deaf tourists. The company has deaf tour guides in ASL, English sign language, German sign language and international sign language.
Costa Rica Deaf Travel was founded in 1998 and has established a relationship with the National Association of the Deaf in the US (NAD), the World Recreation Association of the Deaf (WRAD) and the Gallaudet University, bringing groups of students of biology and Spanish to learn about Costa Rica's culture, language and biodiversity.

Accessible Journeys (www.disabilitytravel.com) is a US-based travel agent, which offers an itinerary for disabled people and wheelchair users.

International Institute of Creative Development (tel: 771 7482; www.empowermentaccess.com) designs personalized itineraries for physically challenged travellers.

Moss Rehab ResourceNet (www.mossresourcenet.org) is a great source of information, tips and resources relating to accessible travel. You'll find links to a number of travel agents who specialise in planning trips for disabled travellers here and through Access-Able Travel Source (www.access-able.com), another excellent online source.

Further information
For more information on any of the above topics, a helpful contact is Tim Lytle (email: info(at)therealcostarica.com; www.therealcostarica.com).