Hanging out with llamas on panoramic routes

When Horst Kuster talks about his llamas, there is no stopping him – his passion for his four-legged friends from the South American Andes can be felt from the very first minute onward. And rightly so. While the hikers warm themselves up with some hot punch, the llama guide, also known as “llamero”, introduces the guests to his hairy friends Pedro, Amadeus, Shorty, Wilson and Sandro. And even though the llamas immediately charm all the guests, the twinkling in the eyes they bring to children is priceless. “The trekking is perfect for families with children”, Horst says.

The tame animals from the Andes leisurely plod along the old miner trails through the wild and romantic Montafon scenery and take regular breaks. That helps the hikers to forget the time and enjoy the moment. “Breaks are all too often forgotten during everyday life”, says Horst, relating to his own experience. “The gentleness of the llamas is contagious – they slow things down and ground you in an extraordinary manner”, enthuses the llamero. The journey to Panoramagasthof Kristberg takes one and a half hours. Having arriving there, the llamas are tied up outdoors – in the meantime the hikers can refresh themselves as they wish in the inn. Afterwards, another highlight awaits the participants there: Adolf Zudrell provides information on the history of mining in the Montafon during a tour of the St. Agatha miners' chapel, the oldest church in the Montafon. Because what many of us don’t know: raw materials such as iron, copper and silver were mined here over the centuries through arduous, hard work.

After the excursion, the adventure group will head on back toward Innerberg. “Optimally, bathing in beautiful moonlight”, adds the llamero. A long, intense winter day comes to an end – the unique memories will remain with the participants forever.