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Exploring Costa RicaBy Erik Shiozaki
Costa Rica is a beautiful and unique little country; but, for the most part there are only a few hotels, restaurants and attractions that are accessible by "ADA standards". Neither public or private paratransit services are readily available. There are some curbcuts in San Jose, but in general most streets and sidewalks are not smoothly surfaced. You must be careful of the many cracks and potholes in the pavement. On the positive side, attitudes are changing and architectural barriers are being eliminated. In your particular case, since you can walk a few steps, there are many tour vans, buses, and taxis that can take you to your desired destinations. Costa Ricans are very warm and friendly, and generally they are quite helpful when extra assistance is needed. They are also very resourceful, and they will create makeshift ramps or actually lift wheelchairs up over barriers. Additionally, many businesses are very accommodating and sensitive to the needs of the disabled traveler. For example, Rich Coast Diving has boats with a hoist which can lift and lower a person into the sea, for snorkeling or scuba diving. They are located in Playas del Coco; Phone/Fax (011) 506 670-0176 or 1-800-4-DIVING (from USA or Canada). You also mentioned you would like to visit the rainforest. The best rainforest access is on the Aerial Tram near Braulio Carrillo National Park. It's less than an hour outside of San Jose, and you can safely ride a gondola through the canopy, without actually having to walk and intrude upon the delicate forest floor. Phone: (011)506 257-5961 Fax: (011)506 257-6053. Volcanoes present a special access problem in that they are often located in remote places. The highway to Poas is a steep, winding road. Wheelchair users are allowed to drive within 100 meters of the observation area. The trail is crushed rock and manageable by wheelchair. Another famous volcano, Irazu, is located near Cartago. The drive to the park is very picturesque, however the final 100 meters of the trail to the crater is not paved. The terrain is fine volcanic sand and it's very difficult to push a wheelchair to the observation area. Arenal, which is an active volcano, can be safely viewed from the little village of Fortuna. 
In general, national parks and reserves are not accessible to wheelchairs. Trails are difficult to access because of the terrain and other obstacles such as rocks, roots, vines and mud. A few trails may be accessible, but only for very short distances. There is one private trail behind the Rio Palmas Hotel in Guacimo that has been navigated by an electric wheelchair user. The Villa Lapas Hotel in Tarcoles has accessible paved paths throughout their grounds. Another wildlife viewing alternative is the Jungle Crocodile Safari boat tour, located on the Rio Tarcoles. The flat bottom pontoon boat can accommodate wheelchairs in the central aisle, and passengers enjoy exotic wildlife (especially birds) from the nearby Carara Biological Reserve. It's a great experience, and highly recommended for nature lovers. Phone (011)506 292-3508 Fax: (011)506 232-2316 Erik Shiozaki owns and operates Vaya con Silla de Ruedas, S.A. in Sarchi, Costa Rica. He can be reached at (011)506 391-5045 or e-mail: vayacon@sol.racsa.co.cr
This article first appeared in Emerging Horizons: The Accessible Travel Newsletter |
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