OVERVIEW

Puerto Vallarta is a popular resort town situated on the western coast of Mexico, south of Baja. Puerto Vallarta has a lot to offer visitors with mobility impairment, but accessibility can be a bit challenging. In the older part of town, there are many streets paved with cobblestones, and there are also a lot of sidewalks that are missing curb cuts. The city is still continuing to work on making Puerto Vallarta a more accessible travel destination for people who utilize mobility devices. Accessible transportation is a must because the town is very spread out. The best time to visit is between November and March.

LANGUAGE

The official language of Mexico is Spanish.

CURRENCY

The official currency of Mexico is the Peso.

QUICKLINKS

LOGISTICS: Air – Water – Ground
ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotels – Resorts
ENTERTAINMENT: Tours – Activities – Restaurants & Nightlife
EMERGENCY SERVICES: Hospitals – Medical Equipment
ABILITYTIPS: Precautions

PUERTO VALLARTA : Logistics

AIR TRANSPORTATION/AIRPORT

Puerto Vallarta Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport: We were unable to locate any information about accessibility at this airport.

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GROUND TRANSPORTATION

TAXI

There are taxis in Puerto Vallarta, but unfortunatelly we weren’t able to locate any with accessible features (e.g. ramp, lift).

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RENTAL VEHICLE (Accessible Van)

Mexico Accesible: Mexico Accesible offers wheelchair accessible transportation complete with a driver. The company has one van and it cannot be rented without using the company’s driver. The vehicle is a full size van with a pop top and a rear lift. There is plenty of room for an individual utilizing a power wheelchair, plus family and friends. The service is for rent by the hour. Mexico Accesible will also provide a car seat upon request. Mexico Accesible also offers scooter rentals and beach wheelchair rentals.

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SHUTTLE

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BUS

Buses in Puerto Vallarta are currently not wheelchair accessible.

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TRAIN (Light Rail)

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FERRY

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PUERTO VALLARTA : Accommodations

HOTELS & RESORTS

“My partner Tom and I just got back from Puerto Vallarta. We were down there for 9 days. We stayed at a hotel in the “Zona Romantica” or “Old Vallarta”. I rely on a motorized wheelchair, and was unable to use it at all in this part of town. The cobblestone streets, and sidewalks with many steps, made it impossible to use a wheelchair of any kind. Its lovely, but not for ppl who have trouble getting around. I would guess that the Marina area, and Nuevo Vallarta are more modern and more accessible, however we wanted to stay in the wonderful Zona Romantica. I used a cane, and my partner’s help to get around to cafe’s etc., on Olas Altas.” Rick, 11/24/2011

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PUERTO VALLARTA : Entertainment

SIGHTSEEING TOURS

Mexico Accesible: Mexico Accesible offers wheelchair accessible tours. The vehicle is a full size van with a pop top and a rear lift. There is plenty of room for an individual utilizing a power wheelchair, plus family and friends. Mexico Accesible will also provide a car seat upon request. Tours are for rent by the hour.

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ACTIVITIES

Aquaventuras Park: Aquaventuras Park is a water park 30 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta. A featured activity of the park is “swim with the dolphins,” where visitors can swim in a pool with dolphins and interact (e.g., kissing, touching belly, shaking fin). There are 3 tiers of interaction available at varying prices. Trainers educate participants about the dolphins and how to be more responsible with our environment so we can preserve the oceans. People with disabilities are welcome to participate; however, there is not a wheelchair accessible beach entry. Life jackets are provided and must be worn in the dolphin pool. Only water proof cameras are allowed in the dolphin area.

Beaches: There are some fabulous beaches in Puerto Vallarta. Unfortunately, none are accessible without the use of a beach wheelchair. Beach wheelchairs are available for rent from Mexico Accesible.

The Malecon (Boardwalk): The Boardwalk is a scenic walkway along the downtown seaside and is a popular place for both locals and tourists to visit. The curb on the boardwalk is very high but there are access points for individuals utilizing wheelchairs or scooters. There are numerous sculptures along the boardwalk, and it’s also a great place to people watch. There are also many restaurants and bars lining the road opposite the Malecon, but most have steps at entryways.

Cathedral of our Lady Guadalupe: The Cathedral is a landmark site in Puerto Vallarta and was built in the early 1920s. The cathedral is ornately decorated on the inside with large columns and elaborate molding. Unfortunately, the Cathedral of our Lady Guadalupe is not wheelchair accessible. There is a small step at the entrance of the cathedral making it difficult for people who use mobility devices. There has been talk about rennovation to make this landmark accessible in the near future.

City Tour: A city tour is a great way to visit Puerto Vallarta and gives visitors a taste of what Puerto Vallarta has to offer. It’s also a great tour if you’re just visiting Puerto Vallarta for a day and want to see the highlights. Mexico Accessible listed above offers city tours.

Galleria Dante (Art Gallery): “The Galleria Dante has ramps into the garden areas. Because of the high sidewalks in Vallarta, for the rainy season, getting to the gallery may be the biggest obstacle. Most street corners have ramps, but not all sidewalks are level.” Claire, 5/10/2010

Olas Altas (Romantica Zone): Olas Altas, also known as the Romantica Zone, is a popular area in Puerto Vallarta for both visitors and locals. There are several restaurants and shops with either ramps or flush entryways in Olas Altas. Compared to other areas of Puerto Vallarta, Olas Altas is relatively wheelchair accessible.

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RESTAURANTS/NIGHTLIFE

Finding a wheelchair accessible restaurant can be difficult in Puerto Vallarta due to the overall age of the buildings in the city. There are steps at entrances of the majority of restaurants. However, there are some that are accessible; below we have listed some restaurants, which are accessible to varying degrees. Although some of the restaurants in Puerto Vallarta are wheelchair accessible, most do not have accessible bathrooms.

El Dorado by Boca Bento: El Dorado restaurant is located on the Los Muertos beachfront in Olas Altas (Romantica Zone). The restaurant’s entrance is wheelchair accessible, and there is also outdoor dining underneath palapas. Note that only portions of the restaurant is wheelchair accessible.

La Palapa Restaurant and Lounge: The La Palapa Restaurant and Lounge is wheelchair accessible, and is located on Los Muertos Beach in Olas Altas (Romantica Zone). Live Jazz music is featured in the evenings.

Mi Querencia: Mi Querencia offers traditional Mexican cuisine. The restaurant is wheelchair accessible via ramp and is located on Morelos #426 Col. Centro.

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PUERTO VALLARTA : Emergency Services

MEDICAL SERVICES/HOSPITAL

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MEDICAL EQUIPMENT RENTALS

Mexico Accesible: Mexico Accesible offers medical equipment rentals including wheelchairs, roll in showers, and beach wheelchairs. These items are available for delivery.

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PUERTO VALLARTA : AbilityTips

PRECAUTIONS

“We rented a wheelchair accessible sightseeing tour in Puerto Vallarta and visited the Aquadventuras Park to swim with the dolphins. Our friends wanted to stay longer with their child while we explored the downtown area of Puerto Vallarta. When we came back to pick them up, a taxi service contracted with Aquaventuras would not allow us to pick up our friends without paying a fee $15 (wanted to charge us $30). He claimed we were taking a taxi fare from his company, although we clearly rented the van service as a group. We feel he took advantage of us because we were tourists.” Christopher, 5/3/2010

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OTHER USEFUL LINKS:

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OVERVIEW

Mazatlan, a popular tourist destination for handicap accessible travel, offers activities for people of all abilities. It is definitely worth visiting the city and accessible transportation is available to explore what Mazatlan has to offer on your disabled holiday. The city offers exciting performances from the local cliff divers, exquisite seafood harvested from local waters, and beautiful architecture in various states of restoration to original beauty. If you’re a sponge for culture and history, Mazatlan has a lot to offer.

LANGUAGE

The official language of Mexico is Spanish.

CURRENCY

The official currency of Mexico is the Peso.

QUICKLINKS

LOGISTICS: Air – Water – Ground
ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotels – Resorts
ENTERTAINMENT: Tours – Activities – Restaurants & Nightlife
EMERGENCY SERVICES: Hospitals – Medical Equipment
ABILITYTIPS: Precautions

MAZATLAN : Logistics

AIR TRANSPORTATION/AIRPORT

Mazatlan International Airport: The Mazatlan International Airport, also known as General Rafael Buelna International Airport, is wheelchair accessible. The airport has elevators, escalators, accessible parking, and restrooms. Airport officials advise that travelers who utilize a wheelchair or need assistance should call and make arrangements with airlines well in advance of a visit. 

“Be advised that not all planes have a gateway that connects with the plane. Some have stairs that are rolled to the plane. There are men who will carry you down the stairs in the plane’s aisle chair, but they normally don’t speak English. Once at the bottom of the stairs, you will need to ask someone to bring you your wheelchair. It may take a little while, and the combination of sun and pavement could be quite hot. Plan ahead and find out these details from your airlines.” P, 8/2/2010

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GROUND TRANSPORTATION

Wheelchair accessible transportation in Mazatlan is limited, so accommodations should be secured well in advance of a visit.

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TAXI

In Mazatlan, a network of taxis is present; unfortunately, they are not wheelchair accessible.  The taxis found in Mazatlan resemble a cross between a golf cart and Volkswagen beetle.  They are convertible, so theoretically it could be possible to transfer into the vehicle and stash a small chair or walker somewhere.  However, it may be extremely difficult to get into the back seat, and again, the vehicles are so small that there may be no room for even a small wheelchair. 

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RENTAL VEHICLE (Accessible Van)

Tailor Made Tours: Tailor Made Tours are available for booking by the hour and include a driver/guide. The vehicle is a full sized van with rear wheelchair lift. The van can accommodate one individual in a wheelchair plus an additional 6 guests. The company can also provide a car seat upon request if children are in the group. Note that users of large motorized wheelchairs or individuals that are tall should check with Tailor Made Tours in advance to ensure the van can accommodate.  The van has a standard height rate ceiling, so it may be necessary to recline to get through the rear door.

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SHUTTLE

Trolley shuttle: There is an open air trolley located at the cruise ship dock that is wheelchair accessible via ramp. The trolley will take passengers directly from the ship through a restricted cargo area to a drop-off point at the terminal. This is the only mode for passengers to get to the terminal unless there is prearranged transportation waiting at the dock.

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BUS

Buses in Mazatlan are not currently wheelchair accessible.

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TRAIN (Light Rail)

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FERRY

“The ferry to Stone Island is not wheelchair accessible. The ramp leading to the boats is narrow and worn, and the boats are small. It is better to take the long way around in your own car to reach Stone Island – skip the ferry if wheelchair bound.” P, 8/2/2010

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MAZATLAN : Accommodations

HOTELS

“There are many hotels that are accessible. We stayed at the Marina El Cid which had an elevator to some floors. Check in advance because not all buildings are accessible. The restaurant was on the second floor without an elevator. They can either carry a manual wheelchair upstairs, or make alternative accommodations at the bar downstairs. The beds are on permanent frames, but they made arrangements for a special bed to be brought in for us. Most places try to accommodate guests the best they can.” p, 8/2/2010

Melville Boutique Hotel: “located in Mazatlan’s old town (Centro Historico), has reasonably accessible rooms on the ground floor. Nicely restored 19th century building, no A.C., elegant but funky. About 4 blocks from the beach and two blocks from Plaza Machado. I enjoyed it.” Steve, 4/3/2011

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MAZATLAN : Entertainment

SIGHTSEEING TOURS

Tailor Made Tours: Tailor Made Tours are available for booking by the hour and include a driver/guide. The vehicle is a full sized van with rear wheelchair lift. The van can accommodate one individual in a wheelchair plus an additional 6 guests. The company can also provide a car seat upon request if children are in the group. Note that users of large motorized wheelchairs or individuals that are tall should check with Tailor Made Tours in advance to ensure the van can accommodate.  The van has a standard height rate ceiling, so it may be necessary to recline to get through the rear door.

“We booked a four hour city tour. Our driver/tour guide, Rene, drove our group all around Mazatlan to explore the city. We visited many sites that were wheelchair accessible. Rene is bilingual, and shares a lot of history about Mazatlan with his guests. He’s very familiar with the needs of people who utilize a wheelchair and recommends the perfect stops around Mazatlan.” – Christopher, 5/4/10

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ACTIVITIES

Boardwalk: The boardwalk is wheelchair accessible at most parts, and is the longest boardwalk in the world. The curb is high, but there are random curb cuts and ramps throughout.

Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception: The cathedral is wheelchair accessible via ramps. At the front gate there is a steep, narrow ramp, which gives access to the plaza outside the cathedral. To access the cathedral, there is a portable ramp. There is plenty of room inside the cathedral to maneuver around and view the fascinating architecture and relics. The cathedral is the only Catholic Church that has the Star of David embedded in 28 stain glass windows. Make sure to dress respectfully and remove hats when visiting the cathedral.

Cliff Divers: The cliff divers are an amazing spectacle to see. The divers perform by hurling themselves off a 50 foot high natural rock formation into a shallow ocean tide. The divers perform about every 15 minutes, whenever tour buses show up. The show is free, however tips are appreciated.

Devils Cave: The devils cave is located on the mountain side across the street from the Boardwalk (near the lighthouse). Visitors can’t walk up to the cave or explore the interior, as it is sealed by gate. Historically, the cave was used for storing dynamite, which emitted a sulfur smell. Thus, the cave was named Devil’s Cave, due to the odor.

Golden Zone (Zona Dorada): The Golden Zone is the newer zone in town (in terms of building construction) and is known for shopping and restaurants.  It is also where the majority of hotels are located.

Flower Market: The flower market is an interesting place, filled with vibrant flowers lining the sidewalks. It’s a relatively small area. Not all of the area is wheelchair accessible, but the flowers can be seen from the sidewalk/street.

Mazatlan’s Lighthouse: The lighthouse is not wheelchair accessible, however, it can be seen from many parts of Mazatlan. The lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse in the world (it rests at the top of a large mountain).  Individuals can hike up the mountain trail that leads to the lighthouse, but it is not wheelchair accessible.

Historic Mazatlan: Historic Mazatlan is a wonderful area to tour. The architecture in the Historic Mazatlan district is vibrant. The city has been in the process of restoring Old Mazatlan. In fact, when a business owner buys or opens a new restaurant or store, they must restore the building to its original character. Accessibility can be tough in the area due to its historic nature, but accessible establishments can be found.

Plaza Machando: In this area there are many sidewalk cafes and musical events taking place. It’s a very charming area to spend the afternoon or evening. Again, accessibility can be challenging, but there are many outdoor cafes to choose from.

Shopping: There are some great shopping areas in Mazatlan. Travelers can find just the experience they are looking for, from mall to local shops to flea market.

“Our tour guide, Rene, knew exactly where to take us to find fantastic deals. We bought a “Molcajete” (an ancient Mesoamerican grinding bowl), which is used to make guacamole, to grind spices, and prepare salsa or warm Mexican dishes, such as shrimp and beans, for a great price.” – Christopher,  5/4/10

Shrimp Market: Mazatlan is a major supplier of shrimp for consumers around the world. The shrimp market is a fun tour stop as one can see all the varieties of shrimp for sale. The streets are lined with buckets of shrimp ready to be bought up by local restaurants and people.

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RESTAURANTS/NIGHTLIFE

There are fabulous dining options all over Mazatlan. One of the most popular hot spots is the Golden Zone. 

Chili’s Pepper: Chili’s Pepper is a beachfront restaurant in the Golden Zone, and is wheelchair accessible in the dining area, but it can be tricky finding the ramp because the restaurant is located in the back of a plaza.  Note that bathrooms and beach are not accessible. Outdoor dining in the open breeze creates a wonderful setting for sampling the local seafood and cerveza.

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MAZATLAN : Emergency Services

MEDICAL SERVICES/HOSPITAL

Balboa Hospital

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MEDICAL EQUIPMENT RENTALS

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MAZATLAN : AbilityTips

PRECAUTIONS

Accessibility in Mazatlan can be difficult due to the fact that it’s an older city and ADA laws do not apply like in the United States. Curb cuts are in random places, ramps are steep, and wheelchair accessible bathrooms are difficult to find as well. For wheelchair accessible bathrooms your best bet is to find a modern hotel, or fast food restaurant such as McDonalds or a Starbucks. 

Mazatlan can get extremely hot. Travel with bottled water and a spray bottle to cool down. 

Only drink filtered and bottled water while visiting Mazatlan, Mexico. 

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OTHER USELFUL LINKS:

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OVERVIEW

Cabo San Lucas is a small recreational town located on the tip of Baja California, and is best known by it’s popular land mark “El Arco” a gorgeous rock formation at the tip, where the Pacific meets the Cortez Sea.  If you’re searching for an accessible vacation, the city is moderately wheelchair accessible by foot or cruise ship, but accessible transportation is limited. The walk from the cruise terminal into town along the waterfront is fully wheelchair accessible for people who utilize a mobility device. Travelers who are interested in Cabo San Lucas for accessible travel should plan well in advance.

LANGUAGE

The official language of Mexico is Spanish.

CURRENCY

The official currency of Mexico is the Peso.

QUICKLINKS

LOGISTICS: Air – Water – Ground
ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotels – Resorts
ENTERTAINMENT: Tours – Activities – Restaurants & Nightlife
EMERGENCY SERVICES: Hospitals – Medical Equipment
ABILITYTIPS: Precautions

CABO SAN LUCAS : Logistics

AIR TRANSPORTATION/AIRPORT

SJD Cabo San Lucas International Airport: If flying into the Cabo San Lucas International Airport contact your airline to organize assistance (e.g., aisle chair, wheelchair, transfer, etc.) Power wheelchairs must have dry cell batteries.

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GROUND TRANSPORTATION

RENTAL VEHICLE (Accessible Van)

There is a wheelchair accessible rental van located approximately 50 miles north of Cabo San Lucas in Los Barriles. Contact the owner Larry Cooper “Baja Larry” well in advance for more details, as the van books up quickly.

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SHUTTLE

Amstar: Amstar Mexico offers wheelchair accessible shuttle transportation as well as tours. Contact Liz Zàrate at: +52 624 142 2268 ext 109 or lzarate@amstarmexico.com for more information.

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BUS

There are buses in Cabo San Lucas, but no desinated bus stops. People must wave their arms in the air to be picked up by the bus. Buses are not wheelchair accessible in Cabo San Lucas and they do not have air conditioning. 

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TRAIN (Light Rail)

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FERRY

If you are arriving by cruise ship, there is no dock in Cabo San Lucas. Ships moor outside the harbor, and passengers must utilize a tender to visit the port. Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship, has tenders that are wheelchair accessible. Cruise personnel will determine if the seas are calm enough for a power wheelchair to transfer to the tender for the safety of guests. Only 1 wheelchair at a time can utilize the accessible tender.

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CABO SAN LUCAS : Accommodations

HOTELS

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CABO SAN LUCAS : Entertainment

SIGHTSEEING TOURS

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ACTIVITIES

Shopping: There are plenty of places to shop in Cabo, whether it is in the cruise port area or downtown Cabo San Lucas. Most of the shopping in the cruise port is wheelchair accessible. In the non-touristy area, downtown shopping can be a bit more challenging as there is usually a step or lip to get into most shops. Local people are always very helpful to assist though.

Glass Bottom Boats: Glass bottom boats in Cabo San Lucas are currently not wheelchair accessible.

Fishing: There is a wheelchair accessible fishing boat through Baja Enterprises, specifically modified for people who utilize a wheelchair that will head into Cabo San Lucas. The boat is located in Los Barriles and is owned by Baja Larry, who also utilizes a wheelchair.

Accessible whale watching: Accessible whale watching and fishing can be arranged through a nearby company called, Baja Enterprises. Reservations should be made well in advance as they book up fast. This tour is not recommended for people who are visiting off a cruise ship, since time in Cabo San Lucas is limited.

Museo Cabo San Lucas (museum): The museum is located in the town center and is wheelchair accessible via ramp located to the left side of the building. The ramp is marked with the international accessibility logo.

Town Square: Town Square is where many of the locas go to watch festivities or picnic with their families. The Town Square is wheelchair accessible, but the ramp can be difficult to find. The Gazebo is not wheelchair accessible.

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RESTAURANTS/NIGHTLIFE

Restaurants and nightlife are a fun part of the Cabo San Lucas scene. There are many to choose from, but from an accessibility standpoint they are limited. Restrooms at most establishments are not wheelchair accessible. Some claim to be accessible, but the stalls are too small to accommodate larger chairs.

 Cabo Wabo Cantina: Cabo Wabo’s outside patio/bar is wheelchair accessible, however the tables are high and can be difficult to reach if your wheelchair does not elevate. There is a small step to get into the actual Cabo Wabo nightclub. The nightclub has regular tables that are at the correct height for a wheelchair. There are two levels inside the nightclub, and the top level has a flight of stairs.

 No Worry’s: The restaurant is located on the waterfront and is a relaxing place to enjoy some drinks and a bite to eat with friends. No Worry’s is wheelchair accessible. There is a ramp around the side to access the main restaurant area.  Restrooms are not wheelchair accessible – the stalls are too small.

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CABO SAN LUCAS : Emergency Services

MEDICAL SERVICES/HOSPITAL

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MEDICAL EQUIPMENT RENTALS

Ameri Med American Hospitals

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CABO SAN LUCAS : AbilityTips

PRECAUTIONS

Cabo San Lucas is not fully accessible. There are ramps to get up sidewalks in places, but there might not be a ramp located on the other side of the sidewalk. Not all restaurants and shops are accessible, however there are many that are accessible at the entrance. Restrooms in Cabo San Lucas are not fully accessible relative to the United States. Careful planning must be considered. 

Cabo San Lucas can get extremely hot. Travel with bottled water and a spray bottle to cool down.

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OTHER USELFUL LINKS:

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OVERVIEW

Cancun, Mexico is a popular tourist destination located on the Yucatán Peninsula in the state of Quintana Roo.  Located on the Caribbean Sea, the Cancun region is sometimes known as the Mexican Caribbean.  Cancun is best known for its beach and party scene.  There are a multitude of restaurants and hotels to fit all budgets and that have wheelchair access.   If you are looking for culture, Tulum and other historic Mayan sites are located just a few hours drive away.  Accessibility in Cancun is better than most of Mexico, but is still a challenging area for wheelchairs.

LANGUAGE

The official language of Mexico is Spanish, but given the high tourist concentration most people also speak English.

CURRENCY

The Mexican Peso is the preferred Currency but U.S. Dollars are often accepted.

QUICKLINKS

LOGISTICS: Air – Water – Ground
ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotels – Resorts
ENTERTAINMENT: Tours – Activities – Restaurants & Nightlife
EMERGENCY SERVICES: Hospitals – Medical Equipment
ABILITYTIPS: Precautions

CANCUN : Logistics

AIR TRANSPORTATION/AIRPORT

Cancun International airport: The Cancun International Airport is relatively modern and accessible.  There are jet bridges to assist travelers.  The airport is primarily on one level with some areas requiring elevator access.  There are wheelchair accessible restrooms but no companion restrooms.  There is a large dining and shopping area. 

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GROUND TRANSPORTATION

Cancun Accessible: Cancun Accessible offers tours, transportation, equipment rental and other support for physically challenged travelers. 

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TAXI

There are no readily accessible taxis in Cancun for transportation.

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 SHUTTLE

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BUS

Unfortunately, the buses in Cancun are not wheelchair accessible.

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TRAIN (Light Rail)

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TRAIN (Heavy Rail)

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CANCUN: Accommodations

HOTELS

The Westin Resort and Spa: The hotel is located at the end of the Hotel Zone, the Westin is in a relatively quiet spot.  This is great for the traveler or family looking to escape some of the crowds.  The hotel has 4 accessible rooms with roll in showers.  The only challenge with the Westin is the ocean side beach access. There are some ramps from the hotel to the beach but they are not complete in all areas.  The pool area is fully accessible.  The lagoon side is more accessible with full wooden paths along the beach, there is one curb step but the beach does not require any ramps. 

There are several restaurants at the Westin.  Some are more accessible than others, but one can consistently eat near the pool, which is fully accessible. 

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CANCUN : Entertainment

SIGHTSEEING TOURS

Cancun Accessible: Cancun accessible offers wheelchair accessible sightseeing tours to popular cultural sites such as Tulum, Chichen Itza, and Playa Del Carmen to name a few.

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ACTIVITIES

Isla Mujeres: Isla Mujeres is a popular island destination just outside of Cancun.  It is known for its more laid back atmosphere, beaches, and the arts.  Over the years there has been a growing artist community there. 

In order to get to the island you have to take a ferry, which does pose challenges, but the staff at UltraMar is committed to its passengers, and if you call ahead they will make sure to have the proper staff and resources to get a wheelchair onboard. 

Once arriving in Isla Mujeres one will find lots of cute streets w/ shops and restaurants.  Some of these places have stairs at the entrance, but many are accessible. 

La Playa Norte: (the north beach) is the most accessible with access directly from the main road, but you will need to have additional mats to support wheelchair access. 

La Isla Shopping Mall:  If you need a break from the sun, La Isla is a beautiful outdoor mall complete with ramps and other accessible features, such as restrooms.  There are many dining options there and also a movie theatre playing mostly American flicks. 

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RESTAURANTS/NIGHTLIFE

Lorenzillos: Lorenzillos is located on the main strip. Lorenzillos is a mid/upper range seafood restaurant with full accessibility including a restroom on the main floor.  The restaurant is located right off the main street and has ramps to support access. 

JC Capitan: The restaurant is located near the Westin Spa and Resort (kilometer 19). JC Capitan is a mid range seafood restaurant with full accessibility and beautiful sunset views from the lagoon.  It has full ramps and is very accessible. The restroom is the only challenge; they do not have accessible restroom facilities.  

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Emergency Services

MEDICAL SERVICES/HOSPITAL

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MEDICAL EQUIPMENT RENTALS

Cancun Accessible: Accessible Cancun offers equipment rentals and other support for physically challenged travelers. 

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CANCUN : AbilityTips

PRECAUTIONS

The weather can be very hot – be sure to stay hydrated and out of the sun when appropriate. 

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OVERVIEW

Overall, Guadalajara is a difficult city for people with mobility challenges to visit, even though tourism is one of Guadalajara’s most important facets of its economy. Guadalajara is rich with history and culture, which transcends throughout the city through art shows, gastronomy, and musical festivities.

LANGUAGE

The official language of Mexico is Spanish.

CURRENCY

The official currency of Mexico is the Mexican Peso. American Dollars are also widely accepted.

QUICKLINKS

LOGISTICS: Air – Water – Ground
ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotels – Resorts
ENTERTAINMENT: Tours – Activities – Restaurants & Nightlife
EMERGENCY SERVICES: Hospitals – Medical Equipment
ABILITYTIPS: Precautions

GUADALAJARA : Logistics

AIR TRANSPORTATION/AIRPORT

Miguel Hidalgo International Airport: “The airport has been recently renovated and now has elevators, accessible restrooms, handicapped parking, ramps, and automatic doors. The Miguel Hidalgo International Airport has a jet bridge for boarding, however, when you arrive, sometimes they unboard passengers onto the tarmac and then load passengers onto a bus to get them to the gate. The bus is accessible, and has a wheelchair spot however it doesn’t have straps to secure the wheelchair.” Reveca, 8/2/09

“If passengers need assistance at the airport, the airport provides staff to assist people with disabilities into and out of isle chairs and also assist when getting on and off the aircraft. Airport staff can also assist with bags and getting through security.” Reveca, 8/2/09

“The Miguel Hidalgo International Airport has accessible restrooms. There is one accessible stall per restroom but they are very spacious.” Reveca, 8/2/09

“At the airport everything was pretty much what you said it would be Darren. Except, I had to keep track of early board time for last bathroom visit. Then down the ramp, transfer at plane door, down the isle, over into isle seat. Couple of things you forgot to mention (thank God). 1. My chair to chair experiences were not unlike the way a peice of beef is handled 2. No amount of printed instructions, color photo’s taped to my C-300 or verbal instructions were enough for ground crew. The drive release handle to be pulled out would have helped ground crew trying to push a 250 Lb chair with wheels locked if they would have read the instructions or listened. As my Grandpa used to say “you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink.” Jerry, 11/3/2010

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GROUND TRANSPORTATION

TAXI

In Guadalajara there are not wheelchair accessible taxis available that are equipped with a ramp or lift at this time. It would be best if you could transfer into a regular taxi and have the driver store your manual wheelchair in the trunk or back seat.

“Most taxis are small to medium sized cars, and also micro buses.” Reveca, 8/2/09

There are two ways to pay a taxi fare: metered rate or flat fee. Whichever the method of payment, pricing should be negotiated and agreed upon before the ride begins. It’s a good way to avoid expensive mistakes.

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SHUTTLE

There is not an accessible shuttle bus at the Miguel Hidalgo International Airport at this time.

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RENTAL CAR (Wheelchair Van)

There are no wheelchair accessible rental vans available in Guadalajara at this time. And wheelchair transportation is difficult to find. However, there is a company called LDP Transport that has an accessible van with driver.

LDP Transport: LDP Transport offers wheelchair accessible transportation. The van is equipped with a rear lift. I believe this is the only accessible transportation company in Guadalajara, Mexico. Please visit their website for more information about services offered. Note that their website is in Spanish, but Google translator can translate the page for you if you can’t read Spanish. You can also contact Manual  Aguilar for more information as well: Email manuel.aguilar@ldptransportes.com

“LDP Transport, handicap van service provider in Guadalajara was just great. Up to date clean equipment, courteous drivers, punctual, They just could not have been better.” Jerry, 11/3/2010

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BUS

“In Guadalajara, I’ve noticed that there are more and more buses that have the wheelchair sign on it and have lifts. Not all have accessible features, and I did not use them.” Reveca, 8/2/09

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TRAIN

“There are trains in Guadalajara, and some cars claim to be accessible, however not all stops are accessible.” Reveca, 8/2/09

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GUADALAJARA : Accommodations

HOTELS

Hotel Hilton Guadalajara: The Hotel Hilton Guadalajara is located in front of the Guadalajara Expo Center. The hotel has 3 wheelchair accessible rooms. The rooms are spacious enough to manuever around in a wheelchair. The room specifications are as follows: 

Bed measurements: From the floor to the mattress – 26”
Bathroom measurements: From the floor to the top of the toilet seat – 15”
From the floor to the wash hands – 17.5”
Door measurements: From the floor to the peephole – 35”

There is a special chair located in the bathtub, where you can sit to take a shower. Currently there are no roll in showers available at this particular Hilton Hotel.

Staybridge Suites Guadalajara Expo: The Staybridge Suites Guadalajara Expo has a wheelchair accessible room, including a parking place and a ramp to the front entrance which is clearly marked with the internation accessible symbol. The accessible room has a roll in shower, grab bars, and a standard size toilet.

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LUXURY RESORTS

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GUADALAJARA : Entertainment

SIGHTSEEING TOURS

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ACTIVITIES

Teatro Degollado: “This beautiful, ornate building, inside and out, can only be admired from the outside as it has many steps to get into the building. At night this historic theater is illuminated by colored lights and is a gorgeous site to see.” Reveca, 8/2/09

Tonala: “A city adjacent to Guadalajara which is known for its arts and crafts, is just a short 20 minute drive from Guadalajara. The people in Tonala are very talented craftsman. The streets are full of vendors and booths and stores selling works of art, hand crafted furniture and toys, food, etc. The streets are not always paved and there are no curb cuts. Most stores have a step to get in. However, on Thursdays and Sundays they usually have an open air market place set up.” Reveca, 8/2/09

Mercado San Juan de Dios: “Market that sells everything from fruit to pork, sandals, belts, beads, art, electronics… you name it! It had three floors and some ramps. It is very crowded and difficult to get around in some areas but if you are willing to work your way through, you can certainly find some great buys, and bargain with the vendors.” Reveca, 8/2/09

Tequila: “About 1 hour out of Guadalajara. This is the town where Tequila is made. You can take a tour of the factories and learn the journey from agave to the bottle. There are stairs and steps and unpaved areas. However, there is a train called Tequila Express from Guadalajara to Tequila that is wheelchair accessible, if you have some mobility to walk short distances too. Tequila Express offers tequila and beer open bar, live mariachi music, folklore dances, Mexican delicacies, culture, history and entertainment. It has A/C and bilingual staff.” Reveca, 8/2/09

“Hello. We’ve been visited by people with wheelchairs, and we actually have a lift in the railway station to take you up stairs but we need you to walk by yourself inside of each railway car because the aisle is narrow. Also the journey inside of the Tequila Hacienda takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes walking along paved streets (with stones). We can take you to the meal area using a truck but you won’t be able to watch the buildings and hear the explanation about the elaboration process of tequila.” Miguel, 8/17/09

Instituto Cabañas: “Instituto Cabañas is a cultural center with elaborate murals and paintings by Jose Clemente Orozco. It used to be a place for orphans and the disabled. In 1997 it was added as a World Heritage site. It has beautiful courtyards and breathtaking artwork. Most of the grounds are accessible once you get past the 2-3 steps to get in. There is an occasional step here and there, and it can be a bit of a bumpy ride at times since there are flagstone and bricks throughout.” Reveca, 8/2/09

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RESTAURANTS/NIGHTLIFE

“Almost every restaurant and store in Guadalajara has a step to get into the entrance. Newer buildings do have ramps, however most ramps can be steep.” Reveca, 8/2/09

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GUADALAJARA : Emergency Services

MEDICAL SERVICES/HOSPITAL

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EQUIPMENT RENTALS

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GUADALAJARA : AbilityTips

PRECAUTIONS

“Overall, Guadalajara is not very accessible, as many buildings have one step to get into the entrance. You will find some curb cuts, but not always on both sides of the street. Sidewalks are sometimes uneven and run into driveways with sharp dips. I would suggest traveling with someone to help with those physical barriers. People in Guadalajara are very friendly and eager to help you in/out of their store or reaching for objects or accommodating you at a restaurant.” Reveca, 8/2/09

“Guadalajara does have cutout ramps at some major intersections and public access is the law there, but not nearly for many years as here, and it has a long way to go before compliance meets United States standards. Some intersections have only one cutout, so you go down and out and around through traffic to face the other direction. Also, the ramp angles are a lot steeper than ours.” Jerry, 11/3/2010

“An AbilityTip by member, Jerry – Because my base C-300 model joy stick cannot be disconnected (for flight and handeling safety), I had a leather sleeve made with a sponge insert cut out to cover joy stick knob with Velcro straps to avoid chair inadvertently being powered up when stored in aircraft.” Jerry, 11/3/2010

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OVERVIEW

Cozumel, an island located off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, is a fun destination frequented by cruise ships. Cozumel is a large, modern port, so a tender is usually not needed for access. Cozumel offers shopping, dining, scuba diving, and snorkeling.

LANGUAGE

The official language of Mexico is Spanish.

CURRENCY

The official currency of Mexico is the Peso.

QUICKLINKS

LOGISTICS: Air – Water – Ground
ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotels – Resorts
ENTERTAINMENT: Tours – Activities – Restaurants & Nightlife
EMERGENCY SERVICES: Hospitals – Medical Equipment
ABILITYTIPS: Precautions

COZUMEL : Logistics

AIR TRANSPORTATION/AIRPORT

Cozumel International Airport does serve some of the major airlines. This airport does have wheelchair accessible restrooms, but does not have companion/family bathrooms.

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GROUND TRANSPORTATION

TAXI

Josue Trejo Parades, has a taxi van which can accommodate 4 people and 2 wheelchairs. The van is equipped with a lift for wheelchairs. Since there are no other wheelchair accessible taxis in Cozumel, he must be contacted well in advance for reservations. You can contact him at the following:

Josue Trejo Paredes
Cell: (987) 564 0137 – from U.S. +52
Email: taxi394@msn.com

“After checking AbilityTrip.com we contacted Josue Trejo Paredes at taxi394@msn.com. My wife is in an electric wheelchair. We arrived in Cozumel on Dec 12, 2011. He was there to pick us up. His van has a lift and was very clean and convenient. We let him suggest the itinerary, and visited the Mayan Ruins, (San Gervasio; Home of the temple of Ixchel) the whole southern coast, then Chankanaab, a beach side park that includes Dolphin discovery, a Sea lions show, manatees, swimming, diving, and exotic gardens that include many interesting archaeological prehispanic replicas, plants, and more. Our guide was very knowledgeable, and we also ate lunch there at a small outdoor eating area. There is also a restaurant on the beach. We had only allowed 2 hours for Chankanaab, but could have happily spent all day there, but for the cruise ship schedule. We strongly recommend Josue, and visits to both the Mayan ruins,(only partly accessible for the electric wheelchair} and Chankanaab. We thank AbilityTrip.com for providing contacts to Josue. He charges $180 for 4 to 5 hours, and required payment of half by paypal, which he made easy by sending us an invoice to pay, via paypal.” Dick, 12/27/11

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RENTAL VEHICLE (Accessible Van)

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CRUISE PORT

Cozumel has a dock capable of accommodating more than one cruise ship at a time. The city is situated directly adjacent to the port, and can be accessed easily without the need for ground transport or a tender.

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SHUTTLE

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BUS

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TRAIN (Light Rail)

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FERRY

There are currently two ferry companies that offer transport between the mainland and Cozumel.

“Both Ferris are wheelchair accessible and it does have a ramp to get on the boat so you should be good to go.” Elena, 1/26/09

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COZUMEL : Accommodations

HOTELS

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COZUMEL : Entertainment

SIGHTSEEING TOURS

ShoreTrips: ShoreTrips offers a wheelchair accessible Cozumel island tour. They have a van equipped with a wheelchair lift and can accommodate seven guests total.

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ACTIVITIES

Cozumel is home to many outdoor activities, including scuba diving and snorkeling. There are also quite a few wheelchair accessible activities on the island of Cozumel to do, however wheelchair transportation should be reserved in advance.

Chankanaab Park: Chankanaab Park is a national reserve that offers protection for many plants and marine life on Cozumel. For people with mobility challenges, the park has ramps, roads, wheelchair accessible bathrooms, and observation areas to view the marine life. Wheelchair beach chairs are also available for use if you would like to enjoy a day in the sand near the crystal clear ocean. In Fact, they have two special sand wheel chairs, and the park claims that there is no need to reserve in advance, just ask upon arrival. There is also no rental fee for the beach wheelchair, as it is included with your admission fee to the park.

The Chankannab Park website also provides information on a few other parks, the Faro Celarain Eco Park, the San Garvasio Mayan site, and the Island Museum. Please note that these two sites and the museum are not wheelchair accessible at the moment.

Shopping: Shopping in Cozumel can be a shoppers paradise. There are so many shops strewn throughout the city, everything from locally owned craft stores, to diamond jewelry stores, to perfume and clothing shops. Shopping can also be a nice way to cool off and escape the heat for a while as a few of the larger stores are air conditioned. Note that  some shops in Cozumel are unfortunately not wheelchair accessible.

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RESTAURANTS/NIGHTLIFE

There are a variety of restaurants and nightclubs in Cozumel. Many of the clubs are accessible, but you should check ahead if there is a particular establishment you would like to visit.

Carlos ‘N’ Charlies: Carlos ‘N’ Charlies is a fun place to enjoy a cold beverage and some good Ol’ Mexican food. The restaurant is clean and the atmosphere is festive and fun- the waiters enjoy playing tricks on its patrons. Don’t be surprised if you see customers dancing on their chairs – don’t forget your camera! To access the restaurant there is a wheelchair ramp located at the front entrance and there is plenty of seating inside to accommodate.

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COZUMEL : Emergency Services

MEDICAL SERVICES/HOSPITAL

Medica San Miguel: Medica San Miguel is a private hospital located in Cozumel, and offers a variety of services for individuals in need of care. The website gives a list of services provided and the emergency number to call if in need of emergency services. The hospital also has a decompression Hyperbaric Chamber for divers

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MEDICAL EQUIPMENT RENTALS

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COZUMEL : AbilityTips

PRECAUTIONS

Cozumel was extremely hot when we visited in the month of February. Make sure you pack plenty of bottled water and have a spray bottle and some sunscreen handy. In Mexico, only drink bottled water unless your resort has a water filtration system, as you could become very ill.

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OTHER USEFUL LINKS:

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OVERVIEW

Playa Del Carmen has been one of our favorite destinations to travel to so far. Everything from the flight into Cancun, to the wheelchair accessible transportation, site seeing, and resort accommodations went smoothly and as planned. It was one of the most relaxing, carefree journeys we have taken in a while.

LANGUAGE

The official language of Mexico is Spanish.

CURRENCY

The official currency of Mexico is the peso. We were able to use our U.S. dollars without a problem.

QUICKLINKS

LOGISTICS: Air – Water – Ground
ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotels – Resorts
ENTERTAINMENT: Tours – Activities – Restaurants & Nightlife
EMERGENCY SERVICES: Hospitals – Medical Equipment
ABILITYTIPS: Precautions

PLAYA DEL CARMEN : Logistics

AIR TRANSPORTATION/AIRPORT

We flew into the Cancun International Airport which is a modern facility complete with a jetway. The airport support staff knew exactly how to handle my husband’s transfer out of the airplane seat into the aisle chair and how to deal with his electric power chair, which was delivered to us at the luggage carousel. The airport personnel were very helpful staying with my husband while I gathered our many pieces of luggage, and even walked us through customs.

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GROUND TRANSPORTATION

TAXI

We were not able to locate any information on wheelchair accessible taxis in the Cancun/Playa del Carmen area.

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SHUTTLE

Hospitality and Fun: Our shuttle service was waiting for us when we arrived at the Cancun International Airport. It was a full size van equipped with a long metal ramp. I was not able to sit up fully when inside the van – I had to recline my wheelchair so I could fit. Admittedly, it was not the most comfortable ride, but I was happy to have the service available to me. They drove us from the airport to our hotel in Playa Del Carmen and also back to the airport when our vacation was over, and were prompt and courteous. We recommend calling for more information.

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RENTAL CAR (Wheelchair Van)

Near our resort there was Avis rental car. They did not have wheelchair accessible vehicles, but if you’re able to transfer into a car and throw your chair in the back, it is very convenient. I typically travel in my electric wheelchair, but bring along my manual chair in other countries so that I have more flexibility for sightseeing.

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PLAYA DEL CARMEN : Accommodations

HOTELS

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LUXURY RESORTS

Playa del Carmen is home to many all-inclusive luxury resorts. We stayed at the Iberostar Tucan, which was relatively accessible. Our room was spacious and very accessible. I could maneuver around easily in my large electric chair. The room was located on the ground floor and had a patio sitting area which was also wheelchair accessible. Our shower was a roll in shower and was easy to get in and out of.

During our stay, we only ran into a few places within the resort we couldn’t access. Although a few paths had stairs and were not accessible, we were always able to find alternative routes to access nearby. Most of the paths around the resort are slightly bumpy, not bad though, due to the concrete stamping that has been applied to the surface of the walkways. The walkways are lined with lush tropical plants and at times you’ll see animals, like monkeys, peacocks, or large type of rat looking creatures scurry around.

This particular resort also has a small zoo on its grounds. The zoo is not fully accessible, there are a few stairs, but there are alternative routes to take to get around the stairs.

The pool area is great, there is plenty of shade trees and palapa umbrellas around to escape the Yucatan heat. It’s entertaining to sit by the pool because the hotel staff is always interacting with the guests, getting the guests involved with playing pool games or other activities. Unfortunately, there is not a beach entry into the pool, or a lift for the physically challenged, just stairs and a grab bar.

The beautiful, sandy beach is lined with chairs and umbrellas. There is a wooden platform that butts up right against the sand, which was the perfect place for me to lay out in the sun in my wheelchair, with my wife and friends. This area also had plenty of shade on one side just in case I got too hot in the sun, and it was also near the bar if I wanted to grab a drink or ice cream to cool down.

All the restaurants at this particular resort were wheelchair accessible, although inside the nightclub was not fully accessible. The entrance to the nightclub was accessible via ramp (probably not up to ADA standards) but I thought it was a bit steep.  Inside the club, the main floor is accessible where the bar and seating area is, but there were a few stairs going down to the dance floor.

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PLAYA DEL CARMEN : Entertainment

SIGHTSEEING TOURS

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ACTIVITIES

Archeological sites: There are many archeological sites around Playa del Carmen.

Shopping: Playa del Carmen offers a variety of shopping in its downtown area. We were able to walk downtown from our resort. There is an accessible path for wheelchairs and scooters.

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RESTAURANTS/NIGHTLIFE

There are many restaurants and nightclubs available in downtown Playa del Carmen, if you tire of the food and entertainment at your resort. We walked downtown and ate at a local restaurant that had installed a concrete ramp for access. This ramp was pretty steep, and covered in sand! Nevertheless, I was able to climb the ramp and access the restaurant. We also went to a nightclub that evening, and it was largely accessible. There was an upstairs portion, and another area with sand for a floor that I had to avoid.

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PLAYA DEL CARMEN : Emergency Services

MEDICAL SERVICES/HOSPITAL

Here are a few medical service providers in Playa del Carmen. If you believe you will need to utilize any medical services on your visit, you should call ahead to verify they can accommodate you.

Hospiten
Address: C. Balamcanché Lote 1, MZA.30,Carr. Federal, Playacar Phase II
Telephone: 984-803-1002
Hours: Daily, 24 hours a day

PlayaMed
Address: Hwy 307 and Calle 28, on the west side of the highway
Telephone: 984-879-3114
Hours: Daily, 24 hours a day

Clinica Medica del Carmen
Address: 25th Ave. between Calle 2 and Juarez
Telephone: 984-873-0885
Hours: Daily, 24 hours a day

For diving related injuries:
Camara Hiperbarica (Hyperbaric Chamber)
Address: 10th Avenue and 28th Street
Telephone: 984-873-1365
Hours: Daily, 24 hours a day

Farmacia del Carmen
Address: Avenida Juárez between Avenidas 5 and 10
Telephone: 984-873-2330)
Hours: Daily, 24 hours a day

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MEDICAL EQUIPMENT RENTALS

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PLAYA DEL CARMEN : AbilityTips

PRECAUTIONS

Playa Del Carmen was extremely hot when we visited in the month of February. Make sure you pack plenty of bottled water and have a spray bottle and some sunscreen handy.

In Mexico, only drink bottled water unless your resort has a water filtration system, as you could become very ill.

OVERVIEW

Chichen Itza, a Mayan archaeological site located in the northern center of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, is a destination you will not want to miss if you are interested in ancient peoples. The pyramid, ball court, and surrounding buildings and monuments are simply amazing. Chichen Itza is accessible for the physically challenged traveler.

The entrance to the park is a large cascading staircase, but there is a stone ramp on the side. We found the ramp to be a bit steep, and also sandy, but with assistance, we were able to safely ascend and descend the ramp.

The grounds are largely flat, so it is possible to tour the entire site, but note that there are uneven surfaces and grass. My wheelchair handled the terrain without any issues, but it could pose a challenge for some.

LANGUAGE

The official language of Mexico is Spanish.

CURRENCY

The official currency of Mexico is the Mexican peso. On our visit, we were able to use US dollars without any problem (both cash and credit cards).

QUICKLINKS

LOGISTICS: Air – Water – Ground
ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotels – Resorts
ENTERTAINMENT: Tours – Activities – Restaurants & Nightlife
EMERGENCY SERVICES: Hospitals – Medical Equipment
ABILITYTIPS: Precautions

CHICHEN ITZA : Logistics

AIR TRANSPORTATION/AIRPORT

The closest airport to Chichen Itza is the Cancun International Airport. The Cancun International Airport is a modern facility complete with a jetway. The airport support staff knew exactly how to handle my husband’s transfer out of the airplane seat into the aisle chair and how to deal with his electric power chair, which was delivered to us at the luggage carousel. The airport personnel were very helpful staying with my husband while I gathered our many pieces of luggage, and even walked us through customs.

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GROUND TRANSPORTATION

Chichen Itza is accessible by either tour bus or car. It is located in a remote part of the Yucatan, outside of the small town of Piste. The drive to Chichen Itza from Cancun is basically a straight shot down a modern, fairly desolate highway through the jungle.

SIGHTSEEING TOURS

Many tours visit Chichen Itza from popular Yucatan resort towns, but we could not find a tour that was wheelchair accessible.

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RENTAL CAR (Wheelchair Van)

We used a standard rental car for our visit to Chichen Itza.  At the hotel, I transferred to the front seat from my electric wheelchair and placed my manual wheelchair in the trunk of the car. While this worked to get us to the archaeological site, it was somewhat dangerous, as I was not able to sit on my special cushion in the car. Also, if the car was to break down on the way to or from the destination, it would have been a very risky situation for my health as it was hot and we had limited water.

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CHICHEN ITZA : Accommodations

HOTELS/LUXURY RESORTS

Because of the uniqueness of this destination, the physically challenged traveler is probably better served by staying in one of Yucatan’s resort areas and visiting Chichen Itza on a day trip.

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CHICHEN ITZA : Entertainment

WALKING TOURS

There are several certified docents that will negotiate a walking tour of the grounds of Chichen Itza. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable about the history of the ruins, and gave us a lot of information that we could have only learned by doing a lot of research offsite. Further, he was able to focus our time on the more interesting parts of the ruins, which was valuable considering how hot it was that day.

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CHICHEN ITZA : Emergency Services

MEDICAL SERVICES/HOSPITAL

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CHICHEN ITZA : AbilityTips

PRECAUTIONS

The Yucatan can be very hot and air conditioned buildings are not available at Chichen Itza. If you are sensitive to temperature, make sure you bring extra bottles of water and a spray bottle. Also, because Chichen Itza is located in a remote area of the Yucatan, there are not many options for medical assistance. If you could be in need of medical services, make sure you do your research prior to your trip.

OVERVIEW

Tulum, a Mayan archaeological site located in the eastern part of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, is an attractive destination if you are interested in archeology and the history of ancient peoples. Tulum is mostly accessible for the physically challenged traveler. There are areas which are steep and sandy, and areas with stairs.

The entrance to the park is a narrow winding staircase, but there is a stone ramp on the side. We found the ramp to be a bit steep, and also sandy, but with assistance, we were able to safely ascend and descend the ramp.

The grounds change elevation quite a bit, but it is possible to tour most of the site. Note that there are uneven surfaces, sand, stairs, and grass. Even though it is a bit daunting, it is worth seeing. I was able to ascend the stairs to the cliffs with the assistance of friends. Unfortunately, the beach, which is arguably the most beautiful part of the site, is not accessible as it has a large winding staircase going down a cliff for access.

LANGUAGE

The official language of Mexico is Spanish.

CURRENCY

The official currency of Mexico is the Mexican peso. On our visit, we were able to use US dollars without any problem (both cash and credit cards).

QUICKLINKS

LOGISTICS: Air – Water – Ground
ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotels – Resorts
ENTERTAINMENT: Tours – Activities – Restaurants & Nightlife
EMERGENCY SERVICES: Hospitals – Medical Equipment
ABILITYTIPS: Precautions

TULUM : Logistics

AIR TRANSPORTATION/AIRPORT

The closest airport to Tulum is the Cancun International Airport. The Cancun International Airport is a modern facility complete with a jetway. The airport support staff knew exactly how to handle my husband’s transfer out of the airplane seat into the aisle chair and how to deal with his electric power chair, which was delivered to us at the luggage carousel. The airport personnel were very helpful staying with my husband while I gathered our many pieces of luggage, and even walked us through customs.

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GROUND TRANSPORTATION

Tulum is accessible by either tour bus or car. It is located outside the city of Tulum, a short drive south of Playa del Carmen.

SIGHTSEEING TOURS

Many tours visit Tulum from popular Yucatan resort towns, but we could not find a tour that was wheelchair accessible.

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RENTAL CAR (Wheelchair Van)

We used a standard rental car on our visit for our drive to Tulum, placing my manual wheelchair in the trunk of the car.

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TULUM : Accommodations

HOTELS/LUXURY RESORTS

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TULUM : Entertainment

WALKING TOURS

At Tulum, we did not elect to use a docent guided tour, but rather walked around the grounds on our own. We probably would have benefited from a guide, because there are a lot of different types of structures on the grounds, which probably served different purposes. There were placards that explained the significance of some of the structures.

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TULUM : Emergency Services

MEDICAL SERVICES/HOSPITAL

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TULUM : AbilityTips

PRECAUTIONS

The Yucatan can be very hot and air conditioned buildings are not available at Tulum. If you are sensitive to temperature, make sure you bring extra bottles of water and a spray bottle.