Llamas have become the latest trend in the hospitality industry, surpassing the once-popular goat yoga craze that took over pre-Covid times. These fascinating creatures, along with their alpaca relatives, have long been a staple in tourism hotspots in South America. However, they are now making a name for themselves across North America as well.
During a recent press trip to The Hythe, a Luxury Collection Resort in Vail, Colo., I was pleasantly surprised to encounter llamas. Thanks to a local tour operator, Paragon Guides, I was able to partake in their Take a Llama to Lunch hiking experience. This unique adventure included a private guided hike, a delicious picnic lunch, and the delightful company of several llamas. Not only did the llamas make great Instagram photo subjects, but they also carried our supplies, making the hike much more manageable for someone like me, who was still adjusting to Vail’s higher elevation.
The llama trend is spreading to various properties and destinations in the United States. For instance, the Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa in Whitefield, N.H., has been offering llama experiences since 2004. Guests can interact with four llamas and eight alpacas and even take them for walks around the resort grounds through the MVG Llama Experience. The resort has also introduced the Llama Tee Time Trek, where llamas act as caddies during rounds of golf at the Mountain View Golf Course.
Another property that has embraced the llama trend is the Brush Creek Ranch in Saratoga, Wyo. This ranch introduced llamas last year and recently celebrated the birth of their first llamas. Guests can choose from a variety of llama experiences, including full-day hikes with picnics, half-day hikes, and family-friendly sessions like Llamas 101, where guests can interact with and learn about these fascinating animals.
Llamas: More Than Just Cute Faces
While llamas may be known for their adorable appearance, they also offer practical benefits, especially when it comes to hiking. An adult llama can effortlessly carry loads of 50 to 90 pounds, making them ideal companions for outdoor adventures. Llamas are not only unique and fluffy, but they are also incredibly helpful animals when it comes to transporting gear and supplies during hikes.
Despite common misconceptions about llamas being aggressive spitters, the reality is quite the opposite. According to Karli Miller, marketing director for Brush Creek Ranch, their llamas are gentle, friendly, and interactive creatures. Guests are often pleasantly surprised by how amiable the llamas are during their interactions. The llamas at Brush Creek Ranch are not only cute and cuddly but also provide a sense of companionship and joy to visitors.
The rise of llama tourism in North America signifies a shift towards unique and memorable experiences in the hospitality industry. With properties and destinations across the country incorporating llama encounters into their offerings, guests now have the opportunity to engage with these fascinating animals in a variety of settings. Whether it’s hiking with llamas, playing with baby llamas, or painting pictures of these charming creatures, llama tourism is here to stay. So, if you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind adventure that combines nature, fun, and cuteness, consider embarking on a llama-themed excursion during your next getaway.