Why Llamas?
High in the Andes Mountains, llamas have been helping people carry their wares for thousands of years. The llama (pronounced "yama"), is a member of the camel family, and is one of the oldest domesticated animals. Their thick coats of wool and honed survival instincts enable them to thrive in one of the most extreme climates on earth.
The lost city of Machu Picchu is perched on a high saddle, between two jagged mountain peaks, 2,000 ft. above the mighty Urubamba River in Peru. Its location is so remote that the Spanish conquistadors never found it!
The Incan empire, which flourished from about 1200 to 1532 AD; depended on the llama to transport trade goods, root crops, and building materials to extremely difficult to reach locations throughout the South American highlands.
“Silent Brothers”
Revered by the Andean people, llamas are much like the bison to the native cultures of North America. The llama is the second most depicted form in Andean art, next to the sun (which was their deity). The Quechua people of the Andes call the llama, "Silent Brothers".
Why We “Llove” Llamas
Selectively bred for gentleness, for over six thousand years, a well trained llama will eagerly follow adults and children alike. Our llamas have enabled us to facilitate wilderness experiences with a wide range of people; from groups of enthusiastic young trailblazers to experienced mountaineers, to self-proclaimed couch potatoes.
Llamas are the perfect low-impact, high altitude pack animal. Their leather padded, two-toed feet and natural agility give them a sure-footedness akin to mountain goats and bighorn sheep. Their tracks and droppings are similar to an elk's, and have little impact on fragile wilderness trails. They exemplify the "leave no trace" wilderness ethic we practice and teach.
Llamas are great hiking companions. They are alert, curious, and just as excited to be in the mountains as we are. They walk at a comfortable pace for hiking humans; and their keen senses of smell, hearing, and sight will often point out a distant herd of deer or elk for us. They have captured our hearts with their unique, "llama-like" behavior and amusing personalities. Their presence makes our time in the wilderness even more memorable.
What is Llama Trekking?
Llama trekking is hiking and camping in the New Mexico wilderness, with a wooly hiking companion. With their soft leather padded feet, llamas are the perfect low impact pack animal, leaving less of a footprint in fragile wilderness environments. Hike with a llama, and you’ll see why these majestic animals have found a new home in the Southern Rocky Mountains and High Desert of New Mexico.
Wild Earth Llama Adventures Featured On:
Llama Trekking in New Mexico
On the trail, our team of gentle and sure-footed llamas carry the gear, leaving your body, mind, and spirit unburdened to enjoy the beauty and wonder of Northern New Mexico's pristine and unspoiled wilderness landscapes. Our staff of experienced naturalist guides enrich your llama trekking wilderness adventure with an extensive knowledge of local ecology, geology, wilderness skills, and New Mexico history and folklore.
Our team of rescued llamas comes from unwanted and abandoned situations, from all over the Southwest. One of the special things about our llama trekking adventures is the unique opportunity to hike with one of our rescued and rehabilitated llamas, hear their stories, and fall in love with their curious and amusing personalities.
Gourmet meals are served on all of our wilderness trips. Our llamas pack in a full backcountry kitchen; including plenty of fresh ingredients to prepare healthy and delicious meals in a scenic wilderness environment. Please inform us of any dietary restrictions or preferences, and we will do our best to accommodate you.
Where We Trek
Learn more about the areas we explore
From Wheeler Peak to the Rio Grande Gorge, we explore New Mexico’s breathtaking mountain and desert wilderness landscapes together.
How We Help
Llama Rescue in New Mexico
We currently provide homes and care for nearly 30 rescued llamas at our llama rescue ranch in northern New Mexico. Many of these animals have come from abandoned and neglected situations.
How We Give Back
Protecting Our Public Lands
Wild Earth Llama Adventures is committed to protecting the special places we explore. We are part of a diverse conservation coalition that has helped to protect nearly a million acres of public wild lands in New Mexico.
What Our Guests Are Saying
Ranked in the Top 10% of Activities Worldwide
New Mexico Public Lands Partners:
Wild Earth Llama Adventures operates in a unique partnership with the USFS, BLM, and regional wilderness advocacy groups to promote conservation and stewardship of our public wild lands.
New Mexico Travel and Tourism Partners:
