Hike the Andes with Llamas & Alpacas
Duration: 6 hours
Group size
1-10
Language
English and Spanish
Dificulty
easy
We’ll kick off the experience at the Sacred Valley viewpoint in the Racchi Ayllo community, where our team will give you a warm welcome with a traditional cup of muña or coca tea. Here, we’ll briefly go over the highlights of the day.
Then, we’ll make our way to the Machu Qolqa archaeological site, accompanied by llamas and alpacas. During the tour, a local expert will share the fascinating history and cultural significance of this ancient Inca storage center.
Next comes an exclusive trek with llamas along scenic trails and historically important sites. You’ll have the chance to fully immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscape while discovering local traditions, including the ancestral farming practices that community families continue to preserve.
Up Close with Llamas and Alpacas
Get ready for a hands-on encounter with these iconic Andean animals. You can feed them, pet them, and capture unforgettable photos, while learning about their unique traits, behavior, and care. You’ll also discover how to tell llamas and alpacas apart and understand the vital role they play in the life and culture of highland communities.
This experience is designed to create a genuine connection with Andean wildlife and foster respect for these animals, which are cherished as an essential part of Peru’s living cultural heritage.
Itinerary
09:30 AM – Hotel Pickup
Our team will pick you up at your hotel to begin this unique experience in the Sacred Valley. During the transfer, you can relax and enjoy the stunning Andean scenery as we head to the Racchi Ayllo community.
10:20 AM – Arrival at Racchi Ayllo
Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly welcomed with a traditional cup of muña or coca tea. Here, we’ll give you a brief introduction to the day’s program and what you can look forward to during the tour.
10:40 AM – Visit to the Machu Qolqa Archaeological Site
We’ll head up to the ancient Inca storage center, where our bilingual local guide (Quechua, Spanish, and English) will share the history and cultural significance of the site.
11:00 AM – Llama and Alpaca Trek
Enjoy an exclusive trek accompanied by llamas and alpacas along natural trails and historically important sites. During this activity:
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You’ll feed and pet the animals.
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Learn about their traits, behavior, and care.
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Observe ancestral farming practices that local families continue to maintain.
12:30 PM – Artisan Workshop and Cultural Demonstration
Take part in a hands-on traditional craft workshop and enjoy a cultural demonstration that gives you a close look at the living traditions of the Sacred Valley.
01:15 PM – Conclusion and Return
We’ll wrap up the experience and start the transfer back to your hotel, with time to take photos and enjoy the scenery along the way.
Includes:
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Bilingual local guide (Quechua, Spanish, and English)
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Visit to the Inca site of Machu Qolqa
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Direct interaction with llamas and alpacas
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Artisan workshop and cultural demonstration
-
Bottled water
Recommendations:
Wear comfortable clothing, sturdy shoes, sunscreen, a hat, and bring a camera for photos.
Includes
- Bilingual local guide (Quechua, Spanish, and English)
- Visit to the Inca site of Machu Qolqa
- Direct interaction with llamas and alpacas
- Artisan workshop and cultural demonstration
- Bottled water
Not Includes
- Rain poncho
- Sunscreen
- Additional drinks
- Transportation (optional, at extra cost)
Recommendations
Wear comfortable clothing, sunscreen, a hat, and sturdy shoes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Llamas and alpacas are two iconic animals of the Andes, but they differ in size, appearance, and purpose. Llamas are larger and stronger, ideal for carrying loads, with long ears and elongated faces, while alpacas are smaller, gentle, and soft, raised primarily for their fine, highly valued wool. Both are an essential part of Andean culture, and interacting with them on a tour is a unique experience that connects travelers to local life and traditions.
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One of our specialists will respond to your travel request as soon as possible.
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