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Have you tried Tibet?

Thank you for the suggestion, but the Himalayas would be colder than I could tolerate. I thought about Thailand, but that's to humid. So I have my heart set on Ecuador. But thank you for your help slash sarcasm.

There are plenty of places far from the maddening crowd in Ecuador, not sure how safe they are.

Danger is my middle name my friend. I am he'll on wheels literally as I am confined to a wheelchair. Let those who might test me be warned.  Lol

That's hell not he'll. I am that which I can not spell.

jvictor1109 wrote:

That's hell not he'll. I am that which I can not spell.

Good luck in your quest.  You can edit your own posts, but I got the message.  The crux of the biscuit is the apostraphe.

Thank you John, I will investigate your suggestion. I am customizing my wheelchair to handle rough terrain and I hope it will be what I make of it. I know  it won't be easy, but what worth having ever is. I have been in contact with quite a few people about Banos de Agua Santa and believe it would be doable. But if it's not I may end up in one of the many cities that offers a scenic park area around rivers. Thank you again for your kind reply.

I believe Baños would be a good place for you.  How do you get around when you aren't in your chair?  Do you have your own customized vehicle, I ask because finding suitable transport to the areas around Baños could be an issue.  Being in the town center in Baños would be find but venturing around into the areas where the water falls etc are would be a little harder.  Baños also offers ATV's and jeeps for rent of for tours that could be fun for you.

Mindo would also be a decent place for you but again it is the transportation to get out and enjoy the scenery that could be a problem.  You sound like an adventurous fella so perhaps you could make it happen.

Vilcabamba I hear is amazing with natural habitat and beautiful waters but I have yet to visit there myself.  I'm sure there is where you will find a spiritual surroundings and people who are seeking the same things you are.  My wife told me that many travel there for the healing waters and serene environment.

I wish you luck, make sure to post back and give us an update on your adventure.

Thank you for your kind reply, I will investigate your suggestion, and I will keep you posted.

mugtech wrote:

Good luck in your quest....

The crux of the biscuit is the apostrophe.

My copious Internet research reveals that the last sentence in the above citation was somehow uttered by Fido the dog in a 1974 album recorded by Frank Zappa.

In certain circles "the crux of the biscuit" has been understood as "the heart of the matter" ever since.

cccmedia

Zappa was quite the expert on every day advice, such as "Watch out where those huskies go, don't you eat that yellow snow."

Some good points have been made about transportation. In general, Ecuador is not very accomadsting for people in wheelchairs.

That’s the reality and it’s better to check out any destinations suggested prior to making plans.

Evaluating cities based on topography and the available accommodations for disabling conditions .. must be done in person unless you have a trusted family member or the equivalent already on the ground.

Topographies vary within cities.  In my condo's district, Centro Historíco in Quito, almost anywhere I go the streets are inclined.  Walking uphill is enough of a problem for those of us whose legs are strong .. because the lack of oxygen and block-after-block of higher elevation exacerbates breathing challenges.  Multi-block walks may require stopping for thirty seconds every block or two to catch your breath.

Meanwhile, in pricier districts in North Quito and in much of the tourist-friendly Mariscal District, steets in some neighborhoods are primarily level.  If you use elevator buildings and stick to first-floor shops and servicers, you will find life easier.

Naturally, the width and condition of sidewalks is an important element.  The levels of pedestrian traffic and the presence of stray animals may also be considerations.

Cuenca readers, how do conditions stack up in your neighborhoods for folks with disabilities, especially regarding walking and moving around in wheelchairs?

cccmedia

For the flowing waters, flowering plants and an established community that includes many welcoming Expats .. I'd visit Pakakuna Gardens outside Quito, not far from the International Airport.

It has been at least two years since I spent a weekend there .. and enjoyed the Hawaii-style plants and flowers and gardens, all beautifully manicured.  That's two years for the project to develop further with a planned medical center, easier transportation for non-car drivers seeking off-campus specialists or supermarkets .. a 7-days a week restaurant (it was closed some days back then) .. and other amenities.

I'd recommend that the OP visit Pakakuna.  It might be a perfect fit.  At the very least, peruse the photos of the place.  You might be amazed.



The Expats of Pakakuna site describes life there as "living in Paradise."  Based on what I saw and experienced inside and outside the homes of the residents who welcomed me, I would not disagree with that description.

  -- cccmedia