5 Wheelchair Accessible Adventure Trips to Take Around the World

Accessible adventures in Peru by joelette wheelchair
Wheelchair adventure in Peru, exploring Inca Ruins.

There are accessible adventures available all around the world. Sometimes, you just need to choose the right destinations. There are plenty that offer adapted activities and experiences for those with disabilities.

Adventure can mean different things for different people. Trekking through a vast landscape is certainly an adventure, and so is kayaking on a beautiful lake. Depending on the type of adventure you're looking for, there should be something for everyone. In this article, we will cover 7 different accessible adventure destinations you need to consider for your next vacation.

The Best Destinations for Accessible Adventure Trips

Aysén Region, Chile

Exploring Patagonia in a Joelette wheelchair
Wheelchair accessible trek in Aysen, Chile
Kayaking on Marble Chapel Nature Sanctuary is an accessible adventure for those with disabilities
Kayaking on Marble Chapel Nature Sanctuary

Known for having some of the most stunning, remote, and unique landscapes, Aysén offers an array of wheelchair friendly adventures. For some of them, you will need the right equipment, the primary necessity being a joelette wheelchair. With this specially adapted chair that allows individuals with reduced mobility to hike and navigate uneven terrain, the Aysén Region becomes an adventure playground. Mountains, rivers, glaciers, and everything in-between, this region is one of the best travel destinations you can experience. Especially for the nature lovers and outdoor adventurers.

Find a Joelette Wheelchair Rental in Aysén.

Accessible Adventures in Chile

Some of the best accessible adventures you can take advantage of are listed below:

  • Explore the Confluence of rivers Baker & Neff in a Joelette wheelchair. The Baker river is the largest and widest river in Chile, and the area is home to some of the most diverse wildlife in Patagonia.
  • Trek Patagonia National Park and many of it's natural trails in a Joelette wheelchair. Patagonia contains scenic views and landscapes like no other.
  • Adaptive kayaking at the Marble Chapel Nature Sanctuary, located in Chilean Patagonia. With natural caves and crevices to explore, the sanctuary is a beautiful place to visit.
  • Explore and trek in Piedra Clavada. You'll also be able to experience the Cueva de las Manos, a UNESCO-listed site dating from several thousand years ago. You'll witness impressive examples of ancient cave art including hundreds of stenciled hands from which the cave gets its name. Finally, you'll have a chance to see Lunar Valley, an other-worldly expanse of terrain created by the movement of wind and water over many years.

Find accessible accommodation here. You can also contact our travel experts to help plan a trip to Chile.

Iceland

Iceland is an accessible adventure destination for wheelchair users
Wheelchair users admiring an Iceland waterfall.
Wheelchair user crossing a bridge in Iceland
Wheelchair user exploring Iceland

Known as the Land of Fire and Ice, Iceland presents an array of accessible experiences for those seeking both tranquility and excitement. Simply driving throughout the island and seeing all of the landscapes feels like an adventure on its own, as it presents some of the most breathtaking views.

Iceland is famous for it's many waterfalls. A few of the popular ones have accessible pathways or areas suitable for wheelchair users. Three of the must-see waterfalls are Skógafoss, Gullfoss Falls, and Seljalandsfoss. The parking lots at these ones are close to the actual falls, so it's worth stopping by. Another place worth visiting is the quaint village of Vik, along the south coast. This is where you can find the black sand beaches and explore. Whether you stop for a couple hours or stay for a night or two, Vik is worth a visit.

One of the popular approaches to seeing and experiencing Iceland is by roadtripping the Golden Circle, a 300 kilometer loop in the southern region that covers many of the best sights, towns, and waterfalls. If you're willing to tough out the cold weather, the northern lights can be observable between October and April.

For full accessibility, a conducive way to experience the best of Iceland is by booking a vacation package that includes everything you need:

  • Accessible accommodation
  • Transportation with adaptable equipment.
  • Assistance from staff members who have experience helping people with disabilities.
  • Highlights of Iceland

The multi-day trip includes visiting the famous waterfalls, taking a dip in the Blue Lagoon hot springs, exploring the black sand beaches along the coast, and much more.

Learn more about the accessible Multi-Day Trip to Iceland.

Maui, Hawaii

Lets talk about a warmer climate. Maui is not just a place to soak up the sun and relax on the beaches. It also happens to be an adventurous hub due to the variety of available activities and the island's commitment to accessibility.

Beach wheelchairs in Maui, Hawaii
Accessible beach activities in Maui, Hawaii.
Hawaii has adaptive surfing for those with disabilities.
Adaptive surfing in Maui, Hawaii

Accessible Adventures in Maui

  • Adaptive Surfing - I mean, you're in Hawaii, right? Renowned for that surfing lifestyle, it's a must-do activity to try when you're there. Try private lessons with experienced instructors who will support you in getting into the water and catching waves tandem style, riding the beautiful Maui waves with you, and sharing the "stoke."
  • Adaptive Kayaking - Paddle out into the warm Maui waters! Enjoy the incredible and inspiring views of the Makena coastline and the rising green hills up Haleakala. Instructors will guide you on safety, how to paddle, and help you with anything you need. Learn more.
  • Go Snorkeling! - A great way to observe the many species of colorful fish and marine life swimming around in the ocean. Assistance will be available if needed when you book this experience.
  • Drive the Road to Hana - Buckle up for the best roadtrip in Maui. With coastal views and several stops along the way, this is a perfect day trip to experience a lot of the island. Prepare to allocate most of the day to this, but it's totally worth it. You can rent an accessible van in order to do the Road to Hana. And, don't forget to bring your camera for this one!

Need accessible accommodation in Maui? Check out these 14 options around the island.

Peru

Rich with history and full of adventure, Peru is a unique destination to choose for your next trip. Explore the capital city of Lima, enjoy adaptive bike riding, immerse yourself in the local culture, and of course, trek to one of the seven wonders of the world: Machu Picchu. There is a plethora of enriching experiences in this country and many of which are accessible for wheelchair users and those with disabilities.

Exploring Peru by wheelchair
Accessible trip to Peru - Meeting the locals.
Wheelchair users and those with mobility issues can trek to Machu Picchu in Peru.
Wheelchair-user overlooking Machu Picchu

Accessible Adventures in Peru

  • Explore the architectural beauty of Machu Picchu
  • Kayak or canoe on Piuray Lake
  • Do an adapted bicycle tour through the Sacred Valley
  • Visit ancient Inca Ruins - Sacsayhuaman, Qenco, Tambomachay & PucaPucará
  • Experience local artisan workshops

Travelers can experience all of these accessible adventures by conveniently booking a vacation bundle that includes assistance and guides that can help you on your journey. Find more information by clicking here.

Madeira, Portugal

Off the coast of Portugal you will find an archipelago of four islands called Madeira. It's a coastal paradise where you can enjoy just about anything. Stunning viewpoints, beautiful beaches, local traditional cuisine, forests and parks. The landscapes here are also insanely vast and diverse. Go on an adventure in the morning and relax on the beaches in the afternoon. Oh, and they are known for their wine!

Medeira, Portugal is an accessible adventure for wheelchair users
Madeira, Portugal
Wheelchair user exploring Madeira, Portugal.
Wheelchair user in Madeira, Portugal

Accessible Adventures in Madeira

  • Take a hike to the Queimadas Forest Park, a diverse park rich in flora, wildlife, and scenery.
  • Take in one of the the best viewpoints of Madeira at Cabo Girão Viewpoint. You will see views the cities of Câmara de Lobos and Funchal, backdropped by the island's coastline. The viewpoint offers a suspended glass platform that you can stand on.
  • Take a stroll through Madeira's Botanical Garden, home to over 2,000 exotic plants. Spanning over 19 acres, this garden is certainly worth a visit.
  • Hike to Levada do Risco Waterfall, one of Madeira's many iconic trails.

You can find accessible accommodation, airport transfers, and more information by clicking here.

Find Adaptive Adventures Around the World

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