Llama hiking

[2] Llamas have padded feet similar to those of a dog, which lets them easily traverse steep and rocky paths while being more environmentally friendly to the ground than horse hooves.

In southern California a few avocado farmers have used llamas to carry large loads of the fruit down steeper hills.

[7] Back in 1997, British newspaper The Independent described llama hiking as an exotic import from California,[4] but it has since become more commonplace.

[8][9] Alpacas and llamas are suitable for close contact with children due to their docile and friendly natures.

According to author Kay Frydenborg, the good results llamas have with children may in part be due to how pleasant they are to touch.

A Quechua child with a llama in Cuzco
Walking with an alpaca at Flanders Moss National Nature Reserve , Scotland.