Hemant P. Says:
I am looking into the possibility of moving to Cuenca, Ecuador. I have to use to four-wheel walker because of a past spinal injury, and need a reasonably even surface to walk on. What advice can you give me?
IL Contributor Donna Stiteler Says:
Hi Hemant,
Cuenca used to be not considered wheelchair and physically-disabled friendly with its cobblestone streets, pot-holed walkways, slip-and-slide marble sidewalks and lack of ramps into many of the historic attractions that lure thousands of tourist to this UNESCO Heritage site known for its stunning architecture.
But things have improved since in 2017, when Lenin Moreno, a wheel-chair confined paraplegic, became Ecuador’s president and made significant changes in the rights of disabled.
Don’t get me wrong, there’s still plenty of challenges to viewing the stunning architecture around Cuenca, a city whose historic buildings were constructed in the 17th century, long before elevators were invented. But nowadays, many of the ornate churches, architectural landmarks, historical buildings and popular restaurants provide access ramps into their locations.
Progress has been made, but navigating up steep flight of steps leading into the historic district can be challenging, but there are plans in the next few months to start building escalators on three targeted staircases which separate the suburbs from downtown, with the first linking the area of the University of Cuenca on the Tomebamba river to El Centro’s Historic district, which is a huge plus if you don’t have mountain goat skills.
Until then there’s $1.50 to $3 taxis available to get you into town. Some of my friends have regular taxi drivers that will even help get them out of the taxi and unload their shopping bags.
The trams also have level-boarding platforms and transport around 19,000 daily passengers around town so those who are walking-challenged can hop on and off in different sections of town.
These are great improvements considering that many expats live in the suburbs that want to go into town for events, shopping and dining.
And the good news is most suburban neighborhoods have rows of modern 2-bedroom and 2-bath condos in buildings with elevators.
To assist with travel to other places you may want to explore, Ecuador for All specializes in offering individual trips throughout Ecuador for people with special needs. So, you can enjoy all Ecuador has to offer.
Ecuador still has a long way to go to offer the same types of services for disabled individuals as you find in the United States, but it’s improving. Cuenca is a walkable city for four-wheel walkers, but remember to keep your head down and eyes glued to what’s ahead.
Read more about accessibility overseas here.
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