Love at first sight with Llamas and Alpacas in Eggental

by 12, Jul, 2022Italy, Trentino

Walking through the green meadows with llamas and alpacas in Eggental is an exciting experience, perfect for getting to know, appreciate, and cuddle these wonderful animals up close!

Eggental offers breathtaking landscapes, authentic and genuine cuisine, and fantastic hiking trails in the midst of nature. But I must confess, this experience was the one that intrigued me the most from the very beginning!

As soon as I saw a picture online of that adorable alpaca face, it was love at first sight!

But let’s start from the beginning.

The Prennergut Farm in Eggental

The Prennergut Farm, certified as a “Begegnungshof” (a farm focused on human-animal encounters), organizes summer walks with alpacas and llamas for both adults and children. It’s a unique experience where animals and humans interact in mutual respect, alongside many other animals.

As soon as we arrived by car, we immediately spotted those long necks poking out from behind the fence, with curious little faces checking out the situation!

Prennergut is a huge farm run by Dieter and Denise, where they raise and deeply love every single one of their animals. There are at least 15 dogs, seven cats, several rabbits, guinea pigs, parrots, chickens, pigs, geese, and of course, llamas and alpacas!

The camelid enclosures at Prennergut are separated by gender—for obvious reasons—but they remain open towards the mountain, allowing all the animals to graze freely in the green fields. Some of them even climb up onto the fences to peek at the females.

The farm’s many large dogs help Dieter and Denise manage the herd by accompanying wandering animals and, most importantly, protecting them from foxes and other predators.

The Character of Llamas and Alpacas

They are very calm animals who often watch each other but also allow themselves to be petted—and they almost seem to smile!

Llamas and alpacas belong to the camelid family, originating from South America, particularly the Andes, Bolivia, and northern Chile. Alpacas have been domesticated by Andean populations for over 4,000 years! Their prized wool can be either solid-colored or multicolored, curly or smooth. A male can produce up to 4 kg of wool per year, while a female produces around 2.5 kg.

They are both truly exceptional animals, not just for their warm and soft fleece but also for their wonderful personalities. Llamas and alpacas are gentle, highly intelligent mammals with an irresistibly cute appearance.

Each animal has its own unique personality, but in general, they are very affectionate and extremely curious. It’s best to approach them calmly, without sudden movements or loud noises, as they can be easily startled and might run off if they feel alarmed.

I know that llamas and alpacas don’t particularly enjoy being touched and are very protective of their personal space—not just with humans but also among themselves. However, Denise and Dieter’s animals are so used to human presence that they immediately came closer to check us out.

A few moments later, I was already petting and cuddling my new love, Wascò, a beautiful dark gray llama!

The Social Hierarchy of Llamas and Alpacas

Both llamas and alpacas are highly social animals that need to live in groups. It’s never a good idea to isolate them, as they can literally die of heartbreak if left alone. Even during walking tours, they should never go alone—it’s always best to bring at least two, or even better, three!

Llamas have a hierarchical community structure. They “elect” a leader, the most dominant and respected member of the group, regardless of age. This leader maintains order and discipline among the herd.
In the female group, the leader is a beautiful brown llama named Bellissima, while among the males, the leader is Baccus, a black-fleeced llama.

The leader’s job is to settle disputes among the group members, either by actively intervening or simply by making their presence known.

Do Llamas and Alpacas Spit?

Yes, llamas do spit. But it’s not a random act of aggression! Spitting is a way for them to establish hierarchy within their group, to keep an overly pushy herd mate at bay, or to assert dominance. Females also use it to reject unwanted mating attempts.

Alpacas, on the other hand, spit much less frequently and only under extreme psychological stress.

Walking with Llamas and Alpacas in Eggental

I had the chance to walk with both Wascò the llama and Tiago the alpaca. They were both very cooperative and patient, even though their personalities were completely different.

Llamas are perfect walking companions. Once they have their halter on, they follow you obediently, never taking their eyes off you. Wascò never strayed more than a step away from me while I was holding his lead!

Alpacas, on the other hand, are a bit more whimsical. They are still very gentle, but they sometimes get excited and might want to change direction, take an extra snack break, or even… start talking!

At one point, Tiago began making the funniest little sounds and insisted on munching a very specific patch of grass!

In the end, we even got to enter the enclosures and observe the animals up close while they ate, played, and even struck a few poses!

One of them came up to sniff my face—almost as if to give me a kiss! I found it hilarious, but apparently, that’s how they greet each other!

Your Walking Experience with Llamas and Alpacas in Eggental

If you’re planning a trip to Eggental, you absolutely must try this experience. It’s an unusual yet relaxing activity, perfect for all ages. You’ll connect with nature and gain a true appreciation for these animals.

Further Information & Booking:

Prennergut Farm
Via Pretzenberg 30D
39056 Nova Levante (BZ)
Tel. +39 348 339 9430

Appointments:
Every Wednesday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Click the links below to book!

A unique encounter between humans and animals at Prennergut Farm

Certified “Begegnungshof” experience at Prennergut Farm in Nova Levante
Participation fee: €15/adult, €10/child (ages 6–13)
Booking: At least 2 hours before the event at the tourist offices, directly at Prennergut Farm, or online at valdega.com/eventi

    I never wanted to leave! I was completely absorbed in all the fascinating information Denise shared with me.

    And honestly? You can’t look an alpaca in the eyes without falling in love. And yes, I am completely smitten!

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