Walks with alpacas in Sicily
A relaxing but different trek through the forest. Alpaca walks are the best way to enjoy a peaceful moment with just the right amount of originality. Spending about two hours in the Ragabo Forest, among the pines, beeches and oaks, could prove to be one of the excursions on Etna most unique and unusual to do on a trip.
Why walk specifically with an alpaca?
Often confused with llamas, alpacas belong to the family of camelids, but they differ from their cousins in their fine wool, similar to cashmere, and a very docile temperament. For those who are wondering whether they also spit, the answer is no. They assume this defense only when placed under real pressure, but these are very rare cases.
Originating in South America, particularly Bolivia and Chile, just the marketing of their fleece has made it possible for breeding farms to spread somewhat around the world. In particular, despite different temperatures than in South America, they have also found a perfect habitat in Italy, for example on the slopes of theEtna.
They live mainly in flocks consisting of a few individuals, suffer greatly from loneliness, and in daily life you can see how one waits for the other while grazing. Moreover, they are animals that hate chaos, seek the tranquility and during walks they assume an almost relaxed behavior, characterized by slow and short steps. These peculiarities certainly make them suitable for pet therapy or to family activities.
It goes without saying that their “slowness” allows anyone to feel the peace of the forest and become one with nature. It relieves the fatigue of the trail, because alpacas teach precisely that.
Slow and steady wins the race.
Walk with alpacas in Linguaglossa
Where to walk with an alpaca in Sicily?
A Linguaglossa, in the province of Catania, Luciano with his Farm School has been taking care of his alpaca herd for years and is especially involved in bringing his wonderful animals together with adults and children.
But not only that, he himself leads the two- to three-hour walk through the Ragabo Woods, starting from the eponymous Refuge (Etna Nord), passing through the Pitarrone barracks of the forestry department and admiring the lava flows of 2002. All of this, each accompanied by an alpaca, with a special feature: it is in fact the animal that chooses its traveling companion, not the person.
To book the experience, log on to the site, by clicking here: the owner will provide all necessary information in a friendly and helpful manner.
Luca Russo