Often times when traveling outside your home country, it can be somewhat of a mixed experience if you are a wheelchair user. Some countries are really good at making places accessible and user-friendly, while others are not quite up to speed. Brazil can be one of those places that tends to be caught in between. There is a recognition of the fact that not everybody walks around to get to their destinations, but sometimes they need to be reminded that in this case it is not the thought that counts. To that end, here is a guide to rolling around Rio de Janeiro. Hopefully it can come in handy during your stay.
Metro vs. Farmland
For starters, on the plus side the city is quite large. This always translates into more accessible options when you are traveling. The more rural you get into the hill country of Brazil, the more likely you are to find yourself doing one of two things; either turning around from heat and exhaustion, or coming back with the world’s biggest forearms from all of that uphill rolling if you are in a manual wheelchair.
When it comes to Rio de Janeiro though, you have some options when navigating the city. First, at the major shopping malls there are handicap spaces and accessible ramps. However, there can be a lack of disregard at times when it comes to these spaces. Just keep that in mind when you are traveling. Most major shopping destinations also have elevators as well. This is always useful.
Other Forms of Transportation
If you are traveling on a budget you might be surprised to learn that taxis are not as expensive as they are in other places throughout the world. More good news is that there are wheelchair accessible taxis in Rio. They come equipped with a rear lift and tie-downs inside to secure your wheelchair. For more information and to book these accessible taxis, visit http://www.especialcooptaxirj.com.br. Furthermore, tipping cab drivers is not customary in Rio de Janeiro. Yet that is not to say if the driver has gone above and beyond what is expected, a little extra cash in his hand would certainly not ruin his day. One or two cash tips and you might find that you have a faithful guide who is willing to take you all over the city.
Another option to consider is hiring a public driver. If the thought of riding the bus all over town makes you cringe, then this might be the perfect option for you. Keep in mind, the bus is handicap accessible, so the reliability there is not an issue. However, any time that buses are involved there’s always the matter of waiting at the stops and planning your day around those main bus lines. Also, I’ve had a couple interesting bus experiences in the past. One time I was riding the bus in Los Angeles and a fight broke out, and another time I was riding a bus in Washington, DC and the bus caught on fire. Yes, it literally caught on fire and the firemen had to carry me off the bus. It was crazy, and scary!
Hiring a private driver does a few things for you. First, it takes the bus schedule out of the picture. This means you have more time for exploring the sites that you would like to see. Second, it is not as expensive as you might think. Typically, a four day stay in the city will run about $300 or so if you hire a private driver to be your guide. If you have time to save up that little bit of extra money, it would be well worth it. Remember that vehicles in Brazil tend to be smaller than others so fitting a wheelchair inside will be difficult if not impossible. However, when booking the driver make sure to mention that you need a vehicle that is accessible and this should not be a problem.
Plan Your Day Well
The thing to keep in mind about Rio de Janeiro is that it is full of hills. In order for both you and your wheelchair battery to keep from being absolutely exhausted at the end of the day it is essential that you find a way for something else to get you up, over and around these hills. You will be fine on flat areas, however, Brazilian sidewalks are not kept up as well as they would be in many other larger and more developed countries. Expect to dodge cracks and potholes regularly. This is all just part of rolling around in a developing country.
Between the cab drivers, private drivers, and bus lines, you will be able to navigate the city and see all of the favorite tourist spots like Cristo Redentor, the tall statue of Christ that towers over Rio. This famous statue does have an elevator part of the way up, but if you want to go to the very top there is a flight of stairs unfortunately. If you’re in a manual chair then the kind people of Brazil will probably help carry you up the stairs if you ask. However, it would be quite impossible for a power chair. Just make sure to plan your day wisely and factor in the weather. If it is an overcast day, you will be able to go to more places outside since the heat will not be as overwhelming. Sunny days are great for shopping malls, museums, and other indoor activities. Carry plenty of water to keep yourself well hydrated, as well as some spare change in case you need to snag an emergency bus pass or need to purchase a cold drink.
Rio de Janeiro may not be completely accessible, but putting the above information to use will make the city easier to navigate. Like I always say, as a wheelchair user you have to be willing to get a bit creative when traveling. If you can do that then the world truly is your oyster.
*I have not visited Rio de Janeiro. All information was found online from various sources.
Wos, we’ve never been to Rio de Janeiro. But we wouldn’t have imagined it was very weheelchair-friendly. Great to hear about your more positive, if not quite perfect, experience.
Gran Canaria Local recently posted…Hotel Madrid
I haven’t been to Rio either, but it is good to know that they are at least making strides to make the city wheelchair accessible. It sounds like you had a good trip! I look forward to seeing what you do next. 🙂
Allison @ A Foodie in Europe recently posted…Spain’s (Secret) Hobbit-inspired Meals
Interesting to read a different aspect of Rio!!
Els recently posted…One big celebration: the Oktoberfest in Munich
Glad to know that the city is trying to become wheelchair accessible. It’s also nice to hear that if you ask the people will be kind enough to carry you up. I know that people can be extremely indifferent and downright rude in many other cities.
Natasha Amar recently posted…The TranzAlpine Scenic Journey: Christchurch to Greymouth
Everybody should have the chance to visit other countries, great blog post!
Axelle recently posted…Sunday Column: Dreams and Aspirations
Really interesting perspective and one that most of us overlook! It sounds like anything is possible with a bit of planning and determination, good on you for doing it in Rio. We’ve just spent a weekend with our nephew in his buggy, make us see our surroundings in a whole new light having to negotiate steps and such. Exhausted!
Heather Cole recently posted…Afternoon tea – the London way
I havent been to RJ but reading this article, as Rio is a main tourist attraction place it should be a compulsory to be a wheelchair users friendly.
What a beautiful feature photo you have there. Being able to get a private card for only a few hundred dollars for multiple days is such a great deal. Thanks for sharing the travel info! Seattle, WA is pretty hilly too, I would make some of the same suggestions should you ever travel there. 🙂
Adrian of Adrian’s Travel Tales recently posted…Travel Partner Wanted: Inquire Within!
I’m glad you found your way to move around Rio! It’s a huge city as you say (I remember spending lots of time on public transport going from A to B) but it is also so beautiful..I really like your last line: “If you can do that then the world truly is your oyster”! So true, valid for all of us!
Great read Cory. It is so good to hear that many places are becoming more and more wheelchair friendly, this is something many overlook. Excellent to hear you can get carried to make your way where the chair wasn’t able to take you.
Lyn – A Hole in my Shoe recently posted…So you’ve booked a cruise, now what?
I haven’t been to Rio but I imagine that it’s a HUUUGE city so I’m happy to hear you were able to find your way around it alright! It’s good to see that destinations are becoming more wheel chair friendly, especially if it’s a place that has an amazing view at the top.
Samantha recently posted…A Look at the Life of Korean Royalty: Changdeokgung Palace and Secret Garden in Seoul
I have yet to visit Rio, but was impressed by how accessible it is given that Brazil is a developing country. I recently returned from a year in Ethiopia, which is still very far from being a place that can ensure all travelers enjoy its sights and history.
Dave Cole recently posted…Monday Morning Photo – Fall Farm Scene in Connecticut
I’m surprised (pleasantly) that Rio is accessible as it is. I’ve never been, but most developing countries I’ve visited are far from accessible. I have to imagine those hills can be challenging, though!
Amy recently posted…Monday moment of Zen: Multnomah Falls, Oregon
Would love to go to Rio, I think my top sight would be the Redeemer definitely, It’s one of the most iconic statues in the world – It’s a shame that the lifts don’t go right to the top, to be honest I didn’t even know you could go up the statue! Great post Cory, very informative
The hills must be a challenge, but I’m glad you managed to get about the city and see a lot.
Karen Warren recently posted…Admiring the Architecture of London’s Natural History Museum
Rio wouldn’t come to my mind as wheelchair-friendly. But it’s good you managed against all challenges..! I guess if you visit again in 10 years, it’ll be so much better!
Veronika recently posted…Books vs. e-book Readers: Helping You Decide
I’ve often wondered while traveling about wheelchair access in some places. There certainly are a lot of countries that don’t make it a priority. What a wonderful resource you have put together for Rio!
Tracie Howe recently posted…Riding the Rails: Amtrak Cascades – Seattle to Vancouver B.C.
Corey, I love reading your accounts of accessible travel, especially your tips of what to expect. Keep up the good work!
Brianna recently posted…Melk Abbey- Austria’s golden shrine
As travel bloggers we love writing stuff that our audiences love and relate to, but in the high of all these amazing places and people we tend to forget the one thing travel is supposed to teach us – to be sensitive and aware. Kudos to you for this post!
Revati recently posted…Our Travel Checklist- Preparation for Vacation
I’m so happy you had no trouble in visiting Rio! I guess they made it accessible for everyone since Brazil held the last World Cup, but anyway, any excuse’s good to make a city accessible! 🙂
Lily Lau recently posted…25 geniusly creative ways to hide the eyesores in your home
Great post! I must admit, although I’ve never been to Rio it does sit in my mind as a very hilly place, so I wouldn’t have expected it would be hugely accessible. I’m glad to see there are plenty of ways around that!
Karyn @ Not Done Travelling recently posted…Beautiful Phang Nga Bay
Cory I always love to read about your adventures! However, right now I am pretty jelous because RIO is on my top ten list that I have not made it to!! Wonderful post, and very informative!! Thanks for sharing!! I will keep this bookmarked for when we finally get to visit!!! 🙂
Stacey Veikalas recently posted…Haunted Castle Eltz
Hi…I too am a frequent wheelchair travellers from a country where travelling on a wheelchair is a real challenge. India is a very old country with a rich heritage.
I have travelled to a lot of countries around the globe and singapore seemed to me as a very wheelchair accessible country, be it there night safari in a train, singapore eye or sentosa island. I faced least hurdles compared to many others.
I will be traveling to Rio this summer for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic games. I am a wheelchair user and I throughly enjoyed this write up. I will be using your site from now on for reading on destinations. Thank you.
Hi!
I´m very glad for finding you on google.
I´m a local tour guide in the city and I´m willing to give the best tour to all kind of people with any kind of needs that wants to see the place and all the way around.
I´d love to be in touch with you, if you do not mind.
Kindly,
Luciana Bonguardo