Chile, a stunning South American country known for its diverse landscapes ranging from arid deserts to lush forests and beautiful coastlines, offers a range of accessible travel options for wheelchair users. Here’s a comprehensive guide to wheelchair-friendly attractions, outdoor activities, and accommodations across Chile, including details on accessibility features and restroom availability.
Santiago
- Santiago Metropolitan Park: Enjoy expansive green spaces, gardens, and panoramic views of Santiago from the park’s viewpoints. Features paved paths, accessible viewpoints, and restrooms. Some hilly areas may have steep inclines. Accessible restrooms are available at the main visitor areas.
- Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes: Explore Chilean and international art collections in this historic museum. Fully accessible with ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms. Wheelchairs are available for use. Accessible restrooms are available within the museum.
- La Moneda Palace: Visit the seat of the Chilean government and learn about the country’s political history through guided tours. Offers accessible tours with ramps and elevators. Some historic areas may have limited access. Accessible restrooms are available within the building.
Accommodations
- The Ritz-Carlton Santiago: Luxurious accommodations with modern amenities, including a spa, pool, and on-site dining. Offers rooms with roll-in showers and accessible tubs. Rooms can sleep up to four people.
Valparaíso
- Explore the colorful streets, murals, and historic architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage city. Features some accessible paths and viewpoints. The city’s steep hills can be challenging, but there are some accessible attractions and restaurants. Accessible restrooms are available in key tourist areas and major buildings.
- Museo de Bellas Artes de Valparaíso: Discover a collection of Chilean and international art in this beautiful museum. Fully accessible with ramps and elevators. Wheelchairs are available for use. Accessible restrooms are available within the museum.
Accommodation
- Hotel Palacio Astoreca: Historic hotel with modern amenities, including a pool, spa, and panoramic views of the city. Provides accessible rooms with roll-in showers. Rooms can sleep up to four people.
San Pedro de Atacama
- Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley): Experience the unique lunar landscapes and rock formations of this otherworldly desert region. Some accessible viewpoints and paths are available. The terrain can be challenging, so be prepared for uneven surfaces. Accessible restrooms are available at the main entrance and visitor center.
- El Tatio Geysers: Witness the impressive geothermal activity and steam vents early in the morning. Limited accessibility due to uneven terrain and high altitude. Some viewpoints may be accessible with assistance.
Accommodation
Hotel Altiplánico San Pedro de Atacama: Comfortable accommodations with views of the Atacama Desert and amenities like a pool and restaurant. Offers accessible rooms with roll-in showers. Rooms can sleep up to four people.
Puerto Varas
- Lago Todos los Santos (All Saints Lake): Enjoy boat trips on the picturesque lake, surrounded by stunning landscapes and volcanoes. Features accessible boat tours and viewing areas. Some natural trails may be uneven. Accessible restrooms are available at major facilities and visitor centers.
- Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park: Explore beautiful natural landscapes, including waterfalls and lakes. Offers some accessible paths and viewpoints. The terrain can be challenging in certain areas. Accessible restrooms are available at main park facilities.
Accommodation
- Hotel Cumbres Puerto Varas: Modern amenities with views of Lake Llanquihue and the Osorno Volcano, including a restaurant and spa. Provides rooms with roll-in showers and accessible tubs. Rooms can sleep up to four people.
Rapa Nui (Easter Island)
- Located in the southeastern Pacific Ocean, Easter Island is famous for its iconic Moai statues. Visit the Moai statues at Rano Raraku, Ahu Tongariki, and Anakena Beach. Explore the island’s unique cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes. The island has made strides in accessibility, with many of the main sites offering accessible paths and viewpoints. The terrain can be uneven, so some areas may require assistance.
Accommodations
- Hotel Hare Noi Raraku: A luxurious option with amenities including a pool, restaurant, and beautiful views of the island. Provides accessible rooms with roll-in showers. Rooms can sleep up to four people.
Pucón
- Nestled in the Lake District of southern Chile, Pucón is a hub for adventure tourism with stunning natural landscapes. Explore Lake Villarrica, enjoy accessible boat tours, and visit the nearby hot springs. Some adventure tours offer accessible options, like scenic drives and adapted activities. The town offers some accessible outdoor activities and attractions. The terrain around the Villarrica Volcano and Lake Villarrica may be challenging, but some tours provide accessible options. Accessible restrooms are available at major attractions and facilities.
Accommodation
- Hotel Antumalal: Upscale accommodation with beautiful views of Lake Villarrica, a spa, and fine dining. Features accessible rooms with roll-in showers. Rooms can sleep up to four people.
Viña del Mar
- A coastal city near Valparaíso known for its beaches and gardens. Enjoy a relaxing day at accessible beaches like Playa Acapulco and explore the city’s gardens and parks. Viña del Mar has accessible promenades and beaches, with some areas offering adapted services and facilities. Accessible restrooms are available at popular beach spots and tourist areas.
Accommodation
- Hotel O’Higgins: Centrally located with easy access to the beach, dining options, and a pool. Provides accessible rooms with roll-in showers. Rooms can sleep up to four people.
Chillán
- Known for its ski resorts and hot springs in the Ñuble Region. Enjoy adapted skiing options at Nevados de Chillán, and relax in accessible hot springs in the area. Some ski resorts and hot springs offer adapted facilities and services for wheelchair users. The terrain may be challenging, but certain areas are accessible. Accessible restrooms are available at major resorts and facilities.
Accommodation
- Hotel Nevados de Chillán: A resort offering ski-in/ski-out access, hot springs, and a range of amenities. Provides accessible rooms with roll-in showers. Rooms can sleep up to four people.
