Wheelchair-Friendly Adventures in Oaxaca, Mexico!

Hierve el Agua

Why Visit?

Hierve el Aguro: A Wheelchair-Friendly Guide to Nature"s Marvel

Morning: Arrival & Exploration

Start your day early from Oaxaca City, which is approximately a 2-hour drive to Hierve el Agua. Accessible taxis or a pre-arranged wheelchair-friendly van make the journey comfortable and convenient. Upon arrival, the main paths are paved, though assistance might be needed for some of the steeper sections.

Hierve el Agua, a set of natural rock formations that create stunning petrified waterfalls, is not just a sight to behold but also a marvel of natural engineering. The site includes two main petrified cascades, one of which is easily accessible via a paved path offering a spectacular view without the need for strenuous treks.

Interesting Fact: The name "Hierve el Agua" means "the water boils" in Spanish, named so due to the appearance of bubbling water from its natural springs, although the water is not hot but pleasantly warm.

Noon: Picnic Lunch

Enjoy a prepared picnic near the viewing areas, where you can relax under shaded areas and enjoy local Oaxacan snacks like tlayudas and quesillo. The picnic areas are designed to be accessible, allowing you to enjoy the meal with an incredible view of the valley below.

Afternoon: Relaxing Dip and Return

Post lunch, head over to the mineral pools. One of the lower pools is accessible, equipped with a ramp that leads directly into the shallow waters, allowing you to soak in the mineral-rich waters reputed for their healing properties.

Interesting Fact: The mineral pools are naturally terraced, a rare phenomenon attributed to the high content of minerals in the water, which over centuries, have created platforms resembling infinity pools.

Return Journey

As the day winds down, make your way back to Oaxat with memories of a unique natural phenomenon experienced in the lap of comfort. The journey back is a perfect time to reflect on the natural beauty and cultural richness that Oaxaca has to offer.

This wheelchair-friendly tour ensures that everyone can enjoy the awe-inspiring beauty of Hierve el Agua without worry!

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

Monte Albán

Why Visit?

Embark on a fascinating journey through time with our wheelchair-friendly tour of Monte Albán, a majestic UNESCO World Heritage site that towers over the Oaxaca Valley. Known for its stunning panoramic views and rich history, this ancient Zapotec capital is remarkably accessible, ensuring everyone can explore its wonders.

Getting There

Start your adventure from Oaxaca City, where adapted transport can be arranged to take you to Monte Albán. The drive is approximately 20 minutes up a winding road. Upon arrival, accessible parking spots are available close to the main entrance.

Exploring Monte Albán

The site opens at 8:00 AM, providing a cooler, quieter experience in the early morning. Begin at the informative visitor center, which offers accessible restrooms and a model of the site to view before exploring. From there, smooth, flat pathways lead to the Grand Plaza, the heart of Monte Albán, offering easy navigation for wheelchairs and scooters.

As you traverse the Grand Plaza, marvel at the impressive structures, including the Ball Court, the Observatory (Building J), and the ceremonial platforms. The site has made significant efforts to improve accessibility, with ramps and paved paths where possible. Informational signs in multiple languages, including braille, enrich the experience, explaining the history and significance of each structure.

Not-to-Miss Highlights

- The Ball Court: Experience the area where ancient games were played that had religious and social implications.

- The Observatory: Admire this uniquely positioned building that aligns with specific astronomical events.

- Panoramic Views: Don"t miss taking in the breathtaking views of the valleys below — a perfect photo opportunity.

Practical Tips

- Check the weather and wear suitable clothing as the site is exposed and can be quite sunny.

- Bring water, a hat, and sunscreen.

- Consider a guided tour tailored for accessibility to enhance your understanding and enjoyment of this ancient site.

Monte Albán is not just a journey through ruins but a voyage back in time, accessible to all who wish to uncover the mysteries of the Zapotecs.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

Cuilapam Convent (Ex Convento de Cuilápam)

Why Visit?

Wheelchair-Friendly Tour to Ex Convento de Cuilápam

Embark on a captivating journey to the historical gem of Oaxaca, the Ex Convento de Cuilápam, renowned for its blend of grandeur and serenity, and fully accessible for those on wheels.

Getting There: Located roughly 10 kilometers from Oaxaca City, the convent is most conveniently reached by taxi or a pre-booked accessible van. Ensure to request a vehicle that can accommodate wheelchairs or scooters.

The Experience

Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by the majestic sight of the 16th-century Dominican convent, famed not only for its stunning architecture but also its enthralling history. The convent, partially in ruins, provides a poignant glimpse into Mexico’s colonial past.

Start your tour at the grandiose, yet unfinished, basilica. Notice the dramatic arches and the open chapel - a rare architectural feature, designed specifically to accommodate large congregations during the early missionary period. The ground surfaces are mostly flat and smooth, allowing easy access for wheelchairs and scooters.

Continue to the cloisters, where peace and history permeate every corner. Accessibility is maintained with ramps leading to the main areas. Well-placed signage in both Spanish and English offers insights into the convent’s rich history, including its role in the Mexican War of Independence.

Don’t Miss: The museum located within the convent grounds, which showcases religious artifacts and offers deeper context to the site"s historical significance. The museum is equipped with ramps and provides ample space for maneuvering.

Plan Your Visit

- Hours: Open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Tuesday to Sunday.

- Admission: A nominal fee includes entry to all accessible areas.

- Facilities: Accessible restrooms are available on-site.

Tip: Late afternoon offers a magical light, perfect for capturing stunning photos of the stone archways against the soft sky.

Your visit to Ex Convento de Cuilápam is not just a tour, but a journey back in time, accessible and enriching for all.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

Benito Juarez Market (Mercado Benito Juarez)

Why Visit?

Embark on an enchanting exploration of Oaxaca"s vibrant culture with a wheelchair-friendly tour of the Benito Juarez Market (Mercado Benito Juarez). Known for its rich array of local crafts, delicious foods, and warm, bustling atmosphere, this market promises an authentic slice of Oaxacan life, all accessible to those with mobility needs.

Starting Point: Your Journey Begins

Begin your adventure at the main entrance on Las Casas Street. This entrance is equipped with ramps, providing smooth access for wheelchairs and mobility scooters. Just outside, you"ll find a designated drop-off point, which makes arriving by taxi or a specially arranged accessible van convenient and stress-free.

Inside the Market: A Sensory Delight

Once inside, navigate through the wide aisles of the market. The layout is spacious, allowing easy maneuverability for wheelchairs and scooters. Your senses will be immediately engulfed by the rich smells of Oaxacan cuisine; from chocolate to chapulines (grasshoppers), the market offers an array of exotic tastes.

Must-Visit Stalls

- Chocolate Stalls: Oaxaca is famous for its chocolate. Visit the stalls that demonstrate chocolate-making and offer samples. These spots are accessible and provide clear viewing areas.

- Handicraft Section: Explore vibrant textiles and handicrafts. Many stalls at ground level allow unobstructed access to artisanal products, perfect for picking up unique souvenirs.

Lunch Break

Enjoy traditional Oaxacan dishes at one of the market’s food courts. Choose a spot like "Comedor Chabelita," known for its wheelchair-friendly seating arrangement and delicious Tlayudas.

Practical Tips

- Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds.

- Restrooms: Accessible restrooms are located near the food court area.

- Assistance: Market staff are generally helpful and can assist in navigating through busier or narrower sections.

End your day immersed in the flavors, colors, and sounds of Oaxaca at the Benito Juarez Market, a place where culture and accessibility go hand in hand, ensuring a delightful experience for all.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

20 de Noviembre Market (Mercado 20 de Noviembre)

Why Visit?

Discover the vibrant heart of Oaxacan cuisine and culture with a wheelchair-friendly tour of the 20 de Noviembre Market in Oaxaca City. This bustling marketplace is not only accessible but also promises an authentic dive into local flavors and crafts.

Getting There

The 20 de Noviembre Market is centrally located just south of the Zócalo (main square) in Oaxaca City, making it easily reachable via adapted taxis or public buses equipped with ramps. If you’re staying downtown, the market is merely a leisurely roll away, with smooth sidewalks making navigation a breeze.

Start Your Tour

Enter through the main entrance on Calle 20 de Noviembre, which is generally less crowded and offers wider aisles for easier maneuverability. The market is on one level, making it straightforward for wheelchairs and scooters to explore.

What to Explore

1. Food Halls: Begin in the food hall where you can experience the famous "pasillo de humo" or "hallway of smoke", renowned for its grilled meats like tasajo and chorizo. The aroma is captivating, and the vendors are typically accommodating, often serving you directly at your chair.

2. Artesanías (Crafts Section): After indulging in some local delicacies, navigate your way to the crafts section. Here, you"ll find beautifully woven textiles, handmade pottery, and unique souvenirs. The aisles are spacious, and many stalls are easily accessible.

Interesting Facts

- The market was established in honor of the Mexican Revolution, celebrating the revolutionary spirit.

- It"s known for its commitment to showcasing purely Oaxacan products, ensuring an authentic experience.

Accessibility Tips

- The best time to visit is during morning hours when the market is less crowded.

- Restrooms with wheelchair access are available, though it’s wise to ask a local for directions.

Finish your tour with a cup of traditional Oaxacan chocolate, ground and mixed right in front of you – a sweet end to a delightful exploration.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.