Adoc86

My fiance and I are considering a trip to Peru - probably not until 2015 - in hopes of visiting Macchu Picchu. The tricky part is that I'm in a small, manual wheelchair. I am extremely mobile. I can transfer very easily, stand on my "good" leg, and my fiance can carry me - but I cannot walk at all. Cobblestones, rocks, and uneven terrain are not generally a problem. Mud and gravel are BIG problems. More than 2-3 stairs also pose a problem, unless they are very deep.

I have traveled quite a bit, but its mainly been throughout Europe and this would be the first time visiting South America. We would definitely be taking a train, but other than that I don't know much about Macchu Picchu in terms of what possible areas I would be physically able to see. Generally travel books/websites for many foreign destinations advise disabled travelers that a city/place is not ideal and basically, in so many words, that the individual won't be able to do much and should avoid it. This never stopped me from traveling and I have always made things work. But realistically, would I be able to see anything if we took this trip? I do not need to be able to do everything - I know that is extremely unlikely. But would it be worth the trip?

mlgb

There is a company called Apumayo that often gets suggested for accessible tours to MP.

Apumayo.com is their website.

PuraAventura

I have been trying to find a great article I had some years back about a guy in a wheelchair who was there. There are good forum articles out there http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowTop...co_Region.html

I agree with mlgb, these guys seem good: http://www.apumayo.com/en/accesible-...-days-4-nights

What i would say is that the place is generally not designed for wheelchairs (!). Lots of high kerbs, cobblestones, dirt roads in and around Cusco/Sacred Valley and then in Machu Picchu itself it's steep with lots of steps. If mud is such a major issue then try to keep well away from the rain season (November - March). It sounds as if it will be manageable otherwise. 

Is it worth it? It's an incredible place. Once up at Machu Picchu there are wide terraces and open areas so I can picture you needing help at certain key moments but that by and large you would be able to have independence to experience the place. On that basis I'd say yes it's worth it, it'll be a challenge in parts but the rewards should far outweigh them. And besides, it's not a place people expect to see people in wheelchairs so you get fantastic photos and bragging rights about your sense of derring-do! 

Good luck!

Tom