At Nira Mountain Resort in Valdidentro, between Bormio and Livigno, in the heart of the Stelvio National Park the Alpacas have arrived.
Let's find out all the characteristics of these wonderful animals together!
Alpacas originate from South America and are similar to llamas, they belong to the family of the Camelids and have been raised since ancient times for their fine wool, which it’s used to weave sweaters, scarves, ponchos and various garments.
These beautiful animals belong to the Huacaya variety, they have a very soft fleece and a very "cuddly" look, similar to real teddy bears.
The Alpacas that you can admire at the Nira Mountain Resort come from the same "Kaserhof" breeding and for this reason they have the same surname: "De Oro", even if they are not all related.
Compared to llamas, Alpacas are smaller, have a more rounded snout, short and rounded ears and a long and soft neck, just to be hugged. They can have different shades of color, ranging from white to black through gray and brown; they are shorn once a year, in spring, with the arrival of the heat. Their mantle has not lanolin, which is why they are almost 100% hypoallergenic and odorless. Keratin extracted from the fibers of their fleece is used for the production of highly nourishing natural soap bars for a soft, healthy and supple skin.
They do not have hooves, but two fingers characterized in the lower part by a soft pad. They are very clean animals, do not give off a strong odor and are used to doing "their business" in well-defined and delimited areas of the pasture.
Alpacas live in packs and usually don't spit at people, don't bite and have no sharp teeth. They only spit when they feel in a potentially dangerous situation or when they have bickering with each other.
They are shy, fearful and very curious animals. They convey a sense of calm and, for this reason, they are popular pets on many farms and children adore them too!
They move gracefully and are therefore unlikely to impact against people and small children. Sometimes they kick with their hind legs, but only if they are suddenly approached from behind. In general, they are very docile and silent animals, they produce few sounds through shortly prolonged guttural cries to express stress or worry. Occasionally, however, they make high-pitched sounds towards their fellowmen to convey fear or anger.
They are herbivorous animals and eat grass, bushes, moss, lichen, leaves and hay. Their nutrition must be supplemented with salt because these soils are lacking in some minerals present, however, in their areas of origin (Andean countries-volcanic highlands).
Their tongue is short and for this reason they only gnaw the tops of herbs and plants. It’s forbidden to feed them!
Alpacas love to take long walks at a leisurely pace and they can be led with the halter. During tours, rank must be maintained within the herd: the higher-ranking animal must never go to the bottom of the row.
Trekking with Alpacas is a huge source of well-being against stress and it will be one of the best memories you will take home when you return from your vacation.
What are you waiting for then? Get to know our Alpacas in person. We are waiting for you in Valdidentro, at Nira Mountain Resort.
Via Nazionale, 41 Valdidentro (SO)