Travelling with a disability: 5 things to know about Corcovardo
Travelling is exciting challenge that brings us into contact with different cultures and ways of life. As healthy travellers we are able to take things in our stride even though things may not be perfect. It isn’t a big deal if there is a step up to the bathroom, or a light doesn’t work. It doesn’t faze us if there are broken sidewalks or cars parked in awkward positions, if there are only stairs to the restaurant or the hotel passage way is dimly lit. Till I travelled with my mom-in-law in South America I didn’t realise how much I take for granted.
Safely enjoying Corcovado
1. Getting to the summit
Most of the tours I saw to the different tourist sites were not wheelchair friendly. However, don’t let this stop you from going to Corcovado. There are two options to getting to the top, you can take a taxi to the Corcovado Tram stop or a mini bus to the Summit. If you are travelling in a wheelchair they will help get you onto the tram before allowing anybody else through the barriers which means you miss the frenzied rush for the tram and stay safe.
2. The condition of the ground
My mom-in-low has a low vision disability caused by Retinitis pigmentosa (RP). This means she is unable to evaluate any type of depth causing her to struggle with stairs, bumps or uneven ground. She has no peripheral vision and is blind in dimly lit places. Therefore, the condition of the ground is very important.
From the taxi to the ticket office to the platform it is smooth and flat with few obstacles to navigate round. There are no stairs, though there is a gap between the platform and the tram. At the summit there is an uphill paved slope to the lift area. The walk ways and stairs at the summit are tiled and in good condition.
3. Needing the toilet
There is only one set of toilets at the summit and they are down a set of about 30 steps. There is no ramp or alternative route to reach the toilets so if you are in a wheelchair then you will need to use the toilets at the ticket office before catching the tram. For those who are disabled in some way but are still able to walk, these steps are built the same width and depth apart so getting down and up is doable just give yourself time to do it at your own pace.
4. All the way to the Statue base
The point of coming to Corcovado is to see the Christ statue and enjoy the views. The good news for those that are unable to climb stairs is there is a lift almost to the top. Anyone with disabilities gets priority use of the lifts. From the lifts to the base of the statue there are only escalators or stairs. For those that are wheelchair bound staff will help get you to the top via the escalator – just ask them for help.
If going up the escalators in your wheelchair is too daunting for you then from the lift area you can get beautiful views of the Tijuca Bush as well as a back view of the statue.
5. Accessing the cafe
The cafe is split on two different levels. From the lift exit both of them require climbing stairs. We went to the cafe on the first level which included climbing up a couple of stairs, seemed to offer more and had a balcony to sit on. If you are unable to climb the stairs or are wheelchair bound – don’t think you can’t have anything to drink or eat. Ask someone to get a waiter and they will oblige you by bringing you what you want – though not having a table may make eating a bit tricky.