Did you know that you can visit an alpaca farm in Portugal? 🥰 Needless to say, it’s an activity that delights both children and adults! Alpacas are very docile and sociable animals and being with them is absolutely incredible.
Throughout this post, I’m going to tell you a bit more about what’s like visiting the Monte Frio Alpacas farm, located in the Aveiro district. This is a small farm, but it’s one of the few places where you can visit and interact with alpacas in Portugal.
This is, for example, an excellent option for those looking for a different and original gift for nature and animal lovers. It’s undoubtedly an unforgettable experience!
As soon as we arrived at the farm, we were greeted by Lisa – the farm’s owner who came to Portugal in search of a less frenetic lifestyle. Her good humour and affection for the farm’s animals are evident, and we quickly realise that the alpacas are well taken care of and enjoy living there.
The visit began with a brief explanation of the life of the farm’s owner and how she ended up in this place near Aveiro. Lisa also explained the origins of the farm and some curiosities about these animals that make people so curious.
While we listened to this explanation, it was impossible not to fall in love with the faces and sounds the alpacas made 😍. They’re animals full of personality!
After the explanation, it was finally time to interact with the alpacas. Although there were around 15 people on the visit, smaller groups were formed. Each group was assigned an alpaca. In my case, we got Rowan – one of the oldest but most special alpacas on the farm.
The next 30–40 minutes or so flew by. It was hard not to smile from ear to ear while interacting with these cuddly animals. We had the chance to brush their fur and also feed the alpacas some carrots. Their fur was so fluffy that I just wanted to cuddle them all day long if I could 🥰!
We were told that alpacas are very sociable and like to be together. Throughout the visit, we always tried to make sure that they could see and interact with each other. Like lamas, when they are upset, they can solve the issue by simply spitting. So it’s best to avoid getting caught in the middle of their turmoil 😁.
The visit lasts about two hours and the second hour is dedicated to a workshop in which we learn how to work with alpaca wool. While we were served tea, Lisa explained how the alpacas are sheared and the various ways of working alpaca wool. I also learnt that alpaca wool is more valuable than other types of wool, such as sheep’s wool.
As soon as we were given the necessary tools, we got to work. Since the visit took place in February, we all made a red heart (alluding to Valentine’s Day) that could then be turned into a brooch, a key ring or a pendant. I ended up making a key ring to remember later!
The process of working with wool is relatively simple and very relaxing. I confess that I don’t know much about sewing, but I found the workshop fascinating. The objects produced in the workshop are not always the same, so you can always return to the farm to make another object using the alpacas’ wool.
The next thing I knew, the two-hour visit had already passed. It really is true what they say: when you’re feeling happy, time flies by.
Lisa even let us give a few more carrots to the alpacas, who were already going about their lives on the farm. Many of them came towards us to eat some more and only stopped asking for more when we showed them that there were no carrots left 😆.
This really was a memorable experience and one I recommend to everyone, especially with children. It’s a way of getting to know a rare species of animal in Portugal while simultaneously having a good time.
💡 EXTRA TIP: Would you like to get to know the region better? Then I suggest you read my detailed guide about Aveiro.
Where to visit alpacas in Portugal?
Monte Frio Alpacas Farm is located in Nariz, less than 20 minutes from the centre of Aveiro. It’s about 15 kilometres by car.
Getting to the Monte Frio Alpacas farm is very simple:
- From Aveiro: via the national road N235
- From Porto: the journey takes around 55 minutes (80 km). Take the A1 motorway, taking exit 15 towards the national road N235.
- From Lisbon: the journey takes about 2h30 (250 km). Take the A1 motorway, taking exit 15 towards the national road N235.
How do I book a visit to Monte Frio Alpacas?
You can book your visit to the Monte Frio Alpacas farm via the farm’s Facebook or Instagram page. Alternatively, you can contact the owner of the farm directly by WhatsApp on her mobile +351 926 179 255.
How much does it cost to visit these alpacas in Portugal?
In February 2024, these were the prices to visit the Monte Frio Alpacas farm:
- Adults: 22€
- Children (ages 3 to 14): 14€
On which days can you visit the alpaca farm?
Visits usually take place every Thursday and Saturday at 10.30 am, but you need to book in advance. For example, if the weather is bad, the visit will probably be postponed.
Also, if you’re a larger group, it’s possible to arrange visits for other days of the week and times, subject to availability.
Where to stay to visit the alpacas?
If you’re travelling from further away or simply want to enjoy the Aveiro region a bit more, the good news is that this alpaca farm also offers accommodation services. You can see the various room options at Monte Frio Alpacas here.
In any case, I’ll share with you other suggestions for accommodation relatively close by:
Disclaimer: this post may contain some affiliate links, which means I get a small commission if you buy something through my links. This doesn’t represent any additional cost to you and you’ll be supporting my work here on the blog😊
