For a decade, some very special animals have been living on the Monte Betulla above Plaus, a small, unassuming village in the area of Merano and surroundings: friendly llamas and alpacas. These animals belong to the camelid family and originate from the South American Andes, where they are kept as working animals. They are known for their peaceful and inquisitive nature.

Accustomed to the heights of the Andes, they will accompany you here into the mountain landscape of South Tyrol. In Plaus, they are simply called the "Pirchhof llamas": Chili is the oldest one and has celebrated his 24th birthday in 2025. The treks available include Llama Experience Days, Tours for Two, family outings, special winter llama walks, and the Rio Lagundo Special. The latter combines a llama walk on the Rio Lagundo Forest Nature Trail with a stop at a mountain inn during the warmer months, where you will be treated to South Tyrolean specialities.

In addition to the trekking tours, the Pirchhof also provides farm visits, tailor-made training, coaching, and animal-assisted personal development. The farm sees itself as a place for encounters and living, where the animals are part of the family. The preservation of the cultural landscape and the creation of a welcoming atmosphere are the main priorities here.

How to get there: Plaus is located around eleven kilometres from Merano. From the village, follow the road up the mountain towards Monte Betulla (Birchberg). Signs will show you the way to the farm. From the village centre, it is another six kilometres or a 15-minute drive.