ALPACA ADVENTURE
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f you’re seeking some back-to-nature escapism, then you’re in the right location! All you need is a llama or an alpaca, a lovely country trail and you have a memorable experience. Alpacas have stolen the hearts of animal lovers across the country, but it would seem that across Preston and Fylde, we are spoilt for choice! If you visit any of the local agricultural shows, you will often see herds of alpacas eager to meet visitors. But if you miss them at a show, there are plenty of experiences out there that will give you the chance to not only meet these lovely animals, but trek with them and enjoy their company. There are meandering walks, meet and greets, therapy sessions and longer treks with
For a great summertime adventure take time out to visit one of the many alpaca farms in the region, where you can meet and trek with one of these very sociable animals these wide-eyed, shaggy camelids – that’s llamas and alpacas to you and me. Also belonging to the camelid family are camels (obviously) along with vicuñas and guancos – wild South American camelids, which live in the high alpine areas of the Andes. Having been used by humans for transportation and fleece production for thousands of years llamas and alpacas are primarily found in Peru and Bolivia. The alpaca is thought to be a cross
between llamas and vicuñas some 6000 years ago. They have had a turbulent history and were treasured by the ancient Inca civilisation with their fleeces reserved for the Incan royals. Together with their close relative, the llama, alpacas provided clothing, food, fuel and companionship as domesticated animals high in the altiplano of South America. However, over the last 20 years or so, these animals have adapted well to life on
