Breakfast with alpacas, anyone fancies that? I’m not even kidding. Yes, there’re alpaca tours that offer trekking experience and finish the day with a picnic hamper with your amazing hair friends! Now, you might think you’re going to need to fly over to South America to see the alpacas in their native land. I’m totally in for a trip to the exotic paradise of Peru or Chile, but it just might not happen anytime too soon. Do not despair, my fellow travelettos, here I present three places where you can spend some quality time knowing these hilarious looking animals closer to home outside of South America.
First, how much do you know about these furry beauties with floppy tufts, curious eyes and barbie-like lashes? Beyond their reputation as the Prince Charming (and sometimes quirky) of all internet memes, alpacas possess some pretty remarkable personality traits that you probably don’t know. They’re true people person as they love to be in herds and dislike being alone. They’re extremely gentle and obedient. Although I was reading this blogger Emma’s blog post on My Adventure Store about her experience herding an alpaca at the Lares Trek in Peru and it didn’t sound like an easy task! In saying that, they’re extremely loyal to their masters so that explains why you need to join one of the alpaca tours where the animals are halter trained by their owners. What more to love about the alpacas? It’s said that some of them can be successfully house-trained because they like using a communal dung pile – sound like a feline trait, doesn’t it?
Keen to meet one of these ‘it’ boys and girls of the mammal’s world? These are where you should head to if you happen to live in or tripping around Australia, New Zealand and UK:
♥ Meet & Feed The Celebrity Alpacas @ Mountview Alpaca Farm, Gold Coast Hinterland, Australia
Located among the lush green of Gold Coast hinterland on to way to the scenic Lamington National Park is where Roy the celebrity alpaca calls home. The owner of Mountview Alpaca Farm claimed Roy to be one of the most photographed alpacas in the world, recently starring in a national TV ad and having his own Facebook fan page. Here you can buy Roy’s love by purchasing a pack of $2 alpaca food on site – you might also catch the attention of other fluffy herds as they’re the most people (or food) loving bunch I’ve seen! I wouldn’t be too surprised to see the next top alpaca model being scouted at this farm again, because as soon as you hold up your camera these photogenic, selfie-loving buddies come straight at you to say C-H-E-E-S-E! There’s a gift shop on site as well as a small cafe with a 180 degree glorious view stretching across to Mount Tamborine and Gold Coast beaches. Still want more quality fluffy time in the nature? You might just want to stay at their farmhouse for the weekend to get to know Roy and his friends a little bit better.
♥ Alpaca Beach Walk @ Kandiah Alpacas, Waipu, New Zealand
(Image credit: Kandiah Alpacas)
Soft sands on your feet, sound of lapping waves in your ears and morning glow of sunrise on your skin – all these in the company of an adorable alpaca, isn’t this what romance is about? For you fellow alpaca lovers, I guarantee this is gonna be the most romantic beach walk you’ll have in your life! This New Zealand tour company offers travellers an utterly unique experience and let you stroll along the stunning Bream Bay shoreline with one of its halter trained alpacas. These gentle alpacas are happy to paddle up to their knees if you want to venture into the shallow water. Here you’ll take in the magnificent views of Whangarei Heads and the Hen & Chicken Islands in the far distance. It’s highly recommended for animal loving couples looking for a quiet weekend escape with a twist, that is, only if your other half won’t get too jealous of you staring into the huge eyes and barbie lashes of the alpacas.
♥ Alpaca Trekking & Glamping @ Temevale Alpacas, Worcestershire, UK
(Image credit: Temevale Alpacas)
Life as an alpaca doesn’t get any more glamorous than this – they’re going glamping with you! If you haven’t heard of glamping yet, it’s one the best way for us luxe-loving girls to explore the countryside. It’s a glamorous camping tent with luxurious amenities set in the heart of a secluded woodland. All your camping needs and desire have been catered for, just bring your own alpacas. And in this case, this glamping tour based in Worscestershire England actually arranges an alpaca for you to be your trekking buddy during your stay. During the 2 hour ‘Grabbed By The Alpacas’ adventure, you’ll spend some time choosing and getting to know your alpaca, then see the tranquil Teme Valley in a very different yet fun way. The owner Graeme was in search of a good life and a rewarding semi-retirement activity when he bought eight breeding female alpacas to form the foundation herd, which has now expanded into a big family of 45 fluffy alpacas! Just think of that selfie with your wild eyes alpaca at your glamping site – that’s going to make all your Instagram friends so envious.
These South American natives that are characterised by their amazing hairstyles and, occasionally, spitting on your face behavior can be found close to home with these fun alpaca tours. And who knows, that dream of yours of herding an alpaca in Machu Picchu might just happen sooner than you think! So tell me fellow travelettos, have you been up close with these curious animals? Where have you seen alpacas? Hasgtag your alpaca selfies on Instagram with #Lacenruffles and I’d love to have a laugh with you!
Until next time, stay fun and keep exploring.
