Many visitors ask us: „Are those llamas or alpacas?“ At first glance, the two relatives look very similar. However, a closer look reveals exciting differences - in appearance, utilisation and character. Here you can find out how to recognise llamas and alpacas and why we deliberately work with llamas at Lama Oasis.
Llamas and alpacas both belong to the New World camelid family and originally come from the South American Andes. While llamas are traditionally used as robust pack animals, alpacas were primarily bred for their particularly fine wool.
At the Lama Oasis, llamas accompany you on hikes, coaching sessions and mindfulness programmes. Their size, calmness and sure-footedness make them ideal partners for tours through the Bavarian woodland and mountains.
Llamas are significantly larger and more powerfully built than alpacas. A full-grown llama can reach a shoulder height of around 1.20-1.30 metres, while alpacas are usually smaller and more compact. The llama's body also appears more elongated and athletic.
There is a further difference in the fur: alpacas are mainly kept for their very fine, even wool - ideal for high-quality textiles. Llamas have a denser undercoat with a coarser top coat, which is why their wool is used more for blankets or robust products. With its „outdoor coat“, the llama is perfectly equipped for hiking.
If you look closely, you can easily recognise llamas and alpacas by their heads. Llamas have a longer, more distinctive head and the typical curved „banana ears“. Alpacas have a rounder face and rather short, straight ears, which gives them the often „teddy bear“ expression.
There are also differences in appearance: llamas often radiate calm and alertness at the same time - ideal when accompanying people on hikes. Alpacas often appear more „childlike“ due to their compact build and thick wool and are therefore often perceived as cuddly animals.
Both species are sensitive herd animals, but they have different strengths. Llamas are very sure-footed, attentive and are ideal as walking companions and for animal-assisted programmes. They meet people at eye level and often reflect body language and mood very clearly.
Alpacas are usually a little shyer and more reserved, but very pleasant to handle when it comes to quiet observation or wool production. We deliberately use llamas for our llama walks, coaching sessions and mindfulness programmes because they like to be active with people.
If you are looking for a hike with animal company, llamas are the right choice: robust, relaxed and a joy to be with. At the Lama Oasis, they accompany you on llama hikes, during yoga & mindfulness, team building or at special events.
Alpacas are ideal if the focus is more on the wool or quiet encounters. Even though llamas take centre stage at our farm, we are happy to explain the differences to visitors - so you know exactly who you are dealing with when you next visit the farm.
Our llama hikes, mindfulness programmes and animal-assisted team-building sessions are the best way to get to know the sensitive nature of llamas. Just take a look at our llama hikes page or get in touch with us if you have any questions.
Subscribe to our newsletter and never miss the latest articles, expert blogs, your business effectively.