Do llamas spit?

Llamas do spit, but mostly at each other as a form of communication. If you get spit on by a llama, you were either caught in the cross fire or missed all the warning signs.

How much can a llama carry?

Llamas can carry about 20-25% of their body weight. The maximum amount we allow on each llama is 80 pounds. Their ability to carry weight also depends on the distance and terrain. The easier the hike, the more they can carry. You can count on a llama carrying 60 pounds no problem.

How far can a llama travel in a day?

Again, it depends on the distance, terrain and weight being carried. Most of our llamas are conditioned to hike 10-12 miles per day.

How fast does a llama walk?

A llama walks about 2.5 mph, the same speed as an average human hikes. Llamas are not marathon hikers. They are out to enjoy the wilderness, they like to stop and take breaks, look around and enjoy the scenery.

What can a llama eat? Do they need to carry supplemental feed?

Llamas eat a wide variety of foliage. They have very efficient digestive systems and are good at pulling nutrients and protein out what is available to them. Most times of year, we do not need to provide supplemental feed, however in very arid environments, or conditions with expected high snow, we will provide 1-2 pounds of feed per llama per day.

How to llamas do in snow?

We try to limit our llamas trekking into deep snow. They do well in 12 inches or less.

How much water does a llama need?

It depends on the weather, but llamas drink about 2 gallons of water per day, and need access to fresh water at least 2 times per day.

Can I bring my dog on a hike with llamas?

Our llamas are comfortable around most dogs, however, we ask that you do not bring your dog on a llama trek because certain interactions can cause the llamas to be anxious and misbehave. Not all dogs are comfortable around llamas, and if they get under the llamas feet, they could stepped on, kicked or seriously injured. If approached a dog on the trail, we ask that you kindly ask the owner to control their dog, make sure you have good control over the llama, and give the hiker and their dog the right of way.

How are llamas around horses?

Llamas are generally not spooked my horses, but horses are easily spooked by a llama. Again, we ask that you move off the trail at least 50 feet, preferably down slope and give the horse and it’s owner the right of way.

How are llamas with water crossings?

Our llamas are well trained and most of them are comfortable with easy water crossings. It shouldn’t be so deep and swift that you weren’t willing to walk across it yourself. Small, narrow ditches, some llamas will prefer to jump. We ask that you give them plenty of space to navigate on their own.

How are llamas with dead fall?

Llamas can step over most deadfall that is lower that the bottom of their belly. Some will step over and some will jump. Again, we ask that you give the llama plenty of space to navigate the terrain. But they are sure footed and do well in most terrain. If too high, you might have to navigate around. Deadfall that is really high, they might go under if it is not shorter that the tallest llamas withers.

How are llamas with narrow crossings?

Llamas can walk across flat logs that are at least 18 inches in width.

What gear do you provide?

We provide the halters, lead ropes, stakes and rope for securing llamas in camp, saddles, panniers, brushes, collapsible buckets, hanging scales for pannier weights, and feed if needed.

For any questions that weren’t answered in our FAQ, please refer to our field manual or feel free to give us a call or email!