Puerto Vallarta poses somewhat of an anomaly when considered in the context of “the big” Mexico. I often felt as though I was invisible. If I didn’t wheel out of someone’s way I swear they would have tripped and fallen right over me. On one occasion, I found myself wedged betwixt cobblestones in a street, unable to move in any direction. Navigating cobblestone streets such as these, which are not at all uncommon in Mexico, can be downright dangerous in high heels, I am told. During the fifteen or twenty minutes Kristie had been shopping at the produce market and farmacia, not one of the hundreds of passers-by offered to assist me. No one even looked at me. It was eerie. Later it was explained to me that the residents of Puerto Vallarta are used to, perhaps even tired of, foreigners and barely raise a brow. It is not uncommon to see the likes of Tom Cruise or any of a number of celebrities who often escape to Puerto Vallarta, dining at El Set or some other hot spot (though I have yet to be tripped over by any.) Again, this is an extremely rare exception to the Rule: Mexicans, throughout the country, are typically extremely helpful, often to the point of insistent. Your most sensible response; accept their help and respond in kind.
Unless it’s completely out of the question, leave the power chair at home if you plan on doing any serious traveling. Its sheer size and weight are reason enough. Besides the amount of precious space a power chair can consume, there are too many places throughout Mexico that it just will not be feasible to use; cobblestone streets, sandy beaches, up steps, and over obstacles, through narrow doorways, to name a few. Spare parts and qualified mechanics to repair them? Forget it! Life can, and will, be challenging enough in a manual wheelchair. Purchase a set of solid mountain bike tires, not pneumatic tires. Although most Mexicans in their sleep can repair flat tires, it is just not worth the inconvenience of having to get them repaired. The wider, more rugged mountain bike tires render a far easier and more comfortable ride across cobblestone, gravel, sand, and the majority of the surfaces you will find yourself having to navigate.
If your chair is not equipped with some type of shock absorber, check your owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer to find out if they are offered as an option.
Be sure to pack your owner’s manual and any tools required to make necessary adjustments and repairs. Ref: “Packing List, Musts to Bring Along” in Ch. XX – “Before You Leave”.
Local mechanics are remarkably creative and inexpensive. There’s not much one of them can’t fix with anything more than some spit, an empty soda can, and some duct tape.
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Hi Rick, I'm wondering when you visited Puerto Vallarta. Wheelchairs have become much more common around town the last few years. I've traveled with my Mom in her transport chair for a few years and it was definitely a challenge. That's why my sister and I started a beach wheelchair rental company. beachcrossers.com The big balloon tires are so much easier on the cobblestone and cross the sand very easily. We also have an all terrain electric that is perfect for cobblestone. Much of the downtown is accessible with the renovation completed in 2012. You should come back. The people there are so friendly and helpful. Happy travels.
Terrie,
It's been about 12 years now since I've been down that far. I had settled on the beach in a small town outside of Guaymas, Sonora for 10 years thereafter and really had little reason to venture beyond my little slice of paradise.
I've seen beach chairs in quite a few places and they are fanastic, especially in the touristy places! I hope you do well with it!
I'm been "forced" out of my second retirement now and now I'm back to work as CEO of GO! Mobility Solutions in Tucson, AZ. Guess I'm just a glutton for punishment. lol
Cheers.
Hope you make it back to Puerto Vallarta. It has grown much in the last 12 years, but keeps the small town feel. I'll look up your business. Have a great day.
Hi terry, can you kindly advise me of it is recommendedable taking my little mobility scooter elite traveler gogo 4 whls with me. Iam a paraplegic but unfortunately a totally ruined shoulder and paralysed arm as well due to an accident with an aircarrier. Iam using a limited zr but almost not able to getting around due to my arm. We are travelling to pvr from Europe. .will take us over 24 hours travelling. So challenging it is.we definitely do need a relaxation holiday..reservations for the all inclusive hilton. But still very weak..can you tell me what you recommend us to take with us 4 spare parts as well. Btw do you recommend the electric wheels 4 my tilite zr? Iam starting to worry after reading your review. My mom (56) and me are travelling together so pfffff starting to get nervous. The people of hilton are very thoughtful when they response by mail and assured us that they are definitely take care of us. Iam a diamond but this can't be anything to do with their very helpful and positive behaviour. Maybe one day you are able to help me with another chair in Europe are the tilite Whcrs 3 x more expensive. So this chair I ordered straight from Washington. Took them only one week producing the frame..which was broken in the belly of the plane..6th time unfortunately. Flying and being a wheelchair user is not the best combination lol..but it's a shame. .so the carries must take my chair in the cabin according to the air carrier access act but most of the times they give me a very hard time except for delta..they don't make a problem of this issue at all..they know our rights.
R u still in business?
Yes.
Hi, I'm a wheelchair traveler from Colorado and I'm trying to find an accessible hotel with a pool lift in Puerto Vallarta but it seems impossible. I've read the only one pool lift in all of Puerto Vallarta is at the Sheraton. Do you know of any other motels or options?