World on Wheels by Kristin Secor, was planning a small accessible group tour to Machu Picchu. I learned about it in grade school (Incas, South America, alpaca and rocks). Being an ignorant American, I wasn’t taught much, but that’s not my fault! I never gave much thought to Machu Picchu, because wheelchairs and big rocks do not go hand and hand—or wheel and wheel. I knew accessibility wasn’t even a word in 1420 AD. I talked to my mom about the trip, because I can’t travel alone. She was in and I’m always in! Accessible Adventure here I come!!

Read about my first days in Lima! We had met the owner and founder of Accessible Travel Peru, Francisco already in Lima.There were 3 of us in wheelchairs and 6 able-bodied people. Francisco flew with us to Cusco where Machu Picchu was located.It was on this day that we felt supported and cared for by everyone we met, who wanted to share the beauty of their land with us, even though it was hard work. They saw us as humans, not disabled folk in wheelchairs! I don't know if I’ve ever felt so accepted and like I wasn’t a burden! That’s pretty rare!

There were 5 Accessible Travel Peru guys that helped us. The muscle behind ATP! They had a non-accessible passenger van. Francisco had a van with a lift, but Covid happened, he had to sell it, but when life hands you lemons, you make lemonade! So, they would place 2 steep ramps and they all helped push us up into the van. It was a lot of work, but they made it happen for us!

The first rule of traveling to Peru is not to drink the tap water! While we were out to eat for dinner, I made the mistake of ordering orange juice, fresh squeezed, but they used tap water to wash the oranges, who would have thought?! I woke up that night - it was bad, just bad! The next day, I sat out and stayed in bed all day. We missed the excursion that day. Guess I just have to go back!

Then it was Machu Picchu day, and I felt like crap (no pun intended). I told my mom to go on without me. She said no, just wear a diaper so I did just that! So, I went to Machu Picchu rocking a diaper! #SorryNotSorry

First, we drove to the Inca Rail. I should note **There are NO accessible trains. The staff were all willing to help in any way they could. Super Mario from Accessible Travel Peru carried me under my arms and one of the staff carried me under my knees onto the train. Watch the video below!

The train was filled with tables with 4 seats. That’s where I took a nap. They had indigenous people come on board in traditional clothing and performed a dance. Afterwards, a waitress came by to take our order. We just ordered quinoa chips and bottled water. The ride was about 90 minutes through the green mountains and a brown river. When we got there, they got me off the same way they got me on - under my knees and under my arms.

Now we had to wheel past all these trinket tables. It felt like an overcrowded duty free minus the alcohol but with plenty of stray dogs. Then we boarded the Machu Picchu Shuttle Bus, again, I should note There are NO accessible buses. This time, two Accessible Travel Peru guys carried me under my knees and arms onto the bus, which then brought you up to the entrance of Machu Picchu where there were lines of people waiting, but we had a designated entrance time. I should note that Canes and walkers are not allowed in Machu Picchu, because they can damage the soil. UPDATE**Rubber tipped canes are now allowed.

The Incas may not live there anymore, but Machu Picchu has a new resident - the alpaca - and they are allowed to run free. What a life!

As we entered and came to a stone tunnel, we were told to close our eyes while they carried their own Joelette chair, which they designed and built themselves, through the tunnel. They then put us at a point of view of Machu Picchu. 3…2…1 open your eyes!

SILENCE!!!

No words can do any bit of justice! The immense beauty of this sacred space is so magnificent. It was the first time I have ever traveled somewhere and felt tears in my eyes. Everyone should go visit Machu Picchu once in their lives, it truly is a wonder of the world!

There was string at the edge of the walkways, we were turned around and backed up right against it. We were lifted on our “chariots” up the steep stone steps, into the Water Mirror Room. two stone holes of water, which were used to mirror the sky and calculate the seasons through the stars! How poetic? Well what goes up must come down! They carried us down these death stairs!! We spent the golden hour at Machu Picchu!

When it was time to leave, we boarded the bus again. Then we made our way down the mountain and to the train station where they boarded me again. Then we disembarked in Cusco. The van brought us back to the Xima hotel, which I’ll talk about in my Cusco blog!

I know many of you think Machu Picchu is not wheelchair accessible, and I used to as well, but there are a few travel agencies that do bring wheelchairs in, but Accessible Travel Peru pioneered Accessible Adventure here with their specialized equipment and all the proper permits from the Cultural Ministry. I definitely recommend checking them out if you have any type of mobility problems!