If you’re passionate about these beautiful animals, or if you simply want to enjoy a unique experience with your children, here’s a list of options (most of which we’ve tried ourselves) for treks with llamas, alpacas, and donkeys in various areas of Trentino-Alto Adige.
Donkey Trekking in Trentino
At a Donkey’s Pace in Solasna – Val di Sole
Donkey Trekking at Malga Zanga – Monte Velo, Arco
Malga Zanga is located at an altitude of 1,100 meters, in a valley surrounded by beech, larch, and fir forests. In addition to the splendid view stretching out toward Lake Garda, this place is known for its donkey treks. After getting to know the animals, you’ll groom them and get them ready for the walk. These introductory activities are done in a group, while the hike itself can be done completely on your own: simply follow the directions on the map you’ll be given. More information: Donkey Treks at Malga Zanga.
Donkey Trekking at the Ballino Pass – Fiavé
The farm is accessible from Fiavè and is home to many friendly animals, much to the delight of the little ones. After carefully and gently brushing their donkey, the children can climb onto its back and, guided by a responsible adult, begin the hike. The hike, which lasts about two hours, leads to the Rio Ruzza waterfall. More information: Donkey Treks at Ballino.
Athabaska: Special Animals – San Lorenzo in Banale
This beautiful farmstay is home to llamas, alpacas, and donkeys, with which the staff organizes treks lasting about 1 hour, mainly through the woods and along the trails surrounding the property. It’s wonderful to see the close bond that forms with these highly sensitive animals. The llamas and alpacas are led by hand, while children under 12 can also ride the donkeys (as well as brush them and clean their hooves).Info here: Athabaska: Special Animals
Sensing Animals: From Donkeys to Fontanefredde – Trodena
There’s something special about spending time with a donkey: it helps us rediscover that part of ourselves we often forget in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Here, you don’t just go for a walk with a donkey—you connect with this deeply thoughtful and sensitive animal. Guided by Luisa, an experienced veterinarian, you’ll brush the donkey, teach it to trust you, and take it for a walk through the magical woods of Fontanefredde, opening your heart to it as you would to a true friend. All the info at: Donkeys in Fontanefredde
Hiking with Llamas and Alpacas in Trentino
Silpaca – Val di Cembra
Ilaria from Silpaca doesn’t just offer its wonderful hikes in the areas surrounding its farm, on the gentle slopes of the Val di Cembra: in the summer, you’ll often find Manolo, Artù, and their friends wandering through the valleys of Trentino—they’re traveling alpacas, and believe it or not, they love riding the cable car! We absolutely adore them!
Chalet in Doch – Primiero
Relaxing hikes with llamas and alpacas along trails that wind through forests and meadows. The animals carry snacks in their saddlebags, while guests lead them on a rope. The hike to Lake Calaita is unforgettable. Customized tours available by reservation. More details HERE.
At Malga Frattasecca with the llamas – Val di Pejo
The llama, alpaca, and donkey treks take place from mid-June to mid-September every Saturday morning at 9 a.m. at Malga Frattasecca, which can be reached from Pejo Fonti by following the Val del Monte road for a couple of kilometers. The treks are led by Tiziano, a mountain guide, along with his brother Gabriele, a mid-mountain guide, their father, and, of course, their whole troupe of llamas and donkeys. Destination? Cadini Waterfall, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Val di Pejo. Along the way up, you’ll stop, among other things , at a spot where you can see the Austrian fort Barbadifior— which can also be reached via a donkey- and llama-led trek on Wednesday afternoons, departing at 4:30 p.m. For more details, read To Malga Frattasecca with the llamas.
At Maso delle Erbe with the llamas – Tesero, Val di Fiemme
After grooming and saddling the llama and alpaca, Eva will take you on a walk lasting about two hours. The route is a loop of about 3 kilometers. In about an hour, you’ll arrive near the beautiful Salime waterfall, where the animals are set free to graze. The walks take place in the morning, Monday through Friday, and one animal is assigned per family. More information: At Maso delle Erbe with the llamas.
Baita delle Fate: It’s Not Just About Alpacas! – Valfloriana, Val di Fiemme
In Dorà, a sunny hamlet in the municipality of Valfloriana, there’s a little spot that—we guarantee—is truly magical in every way, not just in name. La Baita delle Fate offers the whole family the chance to spend unforgettable moments and enjoy unique experiences in close contact with nature. After a hike with the adorable alpacas, you’ll get to see eagle owls, buzzards, and snowy owls up close, in addition to traditional farm animals. More information Baita delle Fate: Not Just Alpacas!
Starting from the llama enclosure in the National Park in Laces, with the llamas on a leash, you’ll walk through the surrounding apple orchards and climb a winding trail to the ruins of Untermontani Castle, which offers a splendid view of the entire Val Venosta. Continue through the woods above the village to the sunny Magrinböden plateau. Reservations required by calling 320.2145209 no later than the day before. Duration: approximately 3 hours. Price: 20 euros per person, 60 euros for a family package. More details HERE.
Dolomites Farm – Colfosco, Alta Badia
At this “ethical” farm, not only does everything follow the slow rhythms dictated by nature, but the animals are also raised in a completely healthy and eco-friendly environment. You can choose the alpaca that best suits your needs and personality and take it for a walk in the surrounding area, surrounded by the magnificent peaks of the Sella Group and Sassongher, perhaps all the way to the Pisciadù waterfalls. For more information, visit their WEBSITE
More than Just Trekking with Llamas, Alpacas, and Donkeys
If you enjoy trekking with llamas, alpacas, and donkeys, you might also be interested in the agritourism farms in Trentino, which not only serve excellent food but are also home to some adorable animals. Click on “Animals and Good Food: Where to Find Them.”
