Peru and disabled tourists

Regarding “Move Over, Machu Picchu,” by Christopher Reynolds [March 18]: In 2010, we booked a 17-day South American cruise. The cruise line offered a five-day tour of Machu Picchu for $1,999 each a person. Thinking that was too much money and too many days, we turned to the Web, where I found a tour operator named Amazing Peru offering three days escorted for $899 for both of us.

The reason I write is to encourage the disabled traveler to try this land tour. I started with the tour operator by saying I could not possibly climb the rocks and hills of Machu Picchu, and he told me there were numerous rest stops with comfortable benches. I selected the first stop, about 50 steps inside the main gate, where I sat with two other cane-wielding travelers, overlooking about 60% of the ruins. I took pictures as my wife followed the guide, so we were pleasantly surprised.

In Cuzco, the steps to the cathedral, the monastery entry and cobblestone streets presented some challenges, but our tour guides and the hotel employees were more than kind. Cuzco is truly a wonderful attraction and largely accessible to the handicapped traveler.

Tom Whitt Westlake Village