Have questions? You’re in the right place!
Please kindly see our frequently asked questions below.
If your question is not answered below, click here to message us, we’re more than happy to help 🙂
Are alpacas friendly?
Yes! Alpaca are very inquisitive and quite timid by nature. They are also much smaller and more approachable than their big cousin, the Llama!
How much does a trek cost?
It costs £25 per adult or child over 14 for the main treks, and 1 child between 8-14 years is able to pair up with them, at no additional charge!
For the mini treks, it costs £10 for each person. The mini treks also include time to have your picnic in the giant tipi tents.
Does the weather affect if you trek at all?
We always trek when possible even in bad weather, this is Scotland after all and it tends to rain a wee bit! The alpacas don’t mind a bit of light rain but if the wind is too strong or if it’s pouring down outside, they prefer to shelter indoors! If the weather is too bad and we can’t make it out, we would contact you to reschedule.
Can I reshedule?
Yes! Just check our calendar for another available date and we can move your booking over for you. Please try to give us at least 24 hours notice!
Can some of my group come without getting a ticket?
Sorry, it is an entrance fee, so we kindly ask everyone who would like to attend to get a ticket. We have set walk times, and a limited number of spaces available on each session to keep things fair on the animals, and when that is reached the places show fully booked.
How do we find you?
See our location page here. We are just outside Dunbar, in East Lothian. When you book you will receive a booking confirmation email & directions.
Why do alpacas hum?
Alpacas hum for lots of reasons! It can be when they are curious, content, sometimes worried, or just being cautious.
Do you have to be a certain age to take part?
On the 10am or 1pm beach and woodland treks, you need to be over the age of 14 to take out an alpaca. If you are between the age of 8-14 one child is welcome to tag along on this trek beside their adult. We can only allow one child and one adult per alpaca however, to ensure wellbeing of the animals.
For children under 8, and for families of all ages, we offer mini treks and picnic time at 11.30 and 12 noon. This is ideal for those preferring a much shorter walk and to bring their picnic. Please see mini trek and picnic time here. Every person (except for babies in carriers) needs a ticket for the mini treks. There is a minimum of 2 tickets per booking for the mini treks.
Can we visit the alpacas without booking?
Sorry, we are a booking by appointment visitor attraction. Please be sure to book your time here on our calendar before coming along to meet the alpacas, so they know to come out and meet you!
How many people can go trek per alpaca?
For the wellbeing of our animals we can only allow 1 adult and 1 child per alpaca. For shorter walks for families of all ages we now run mini trek and picnic time sessions where you can bring your own picnic.
Can I book a trek alone?
If you are a single person booking an alpaca trek, please can you email us to book alongside an existing booking, as alpacas are herd animals and prefer trekking in a group!
I have heard about the kids sessions! How do I book my child on one?
By popular demand we are now running mini treks and picnic time at John Muir Alpacas! The format of this is tailored for families of all ages and they are run in an enclosed field, rather than along the John Muir Way. Please book here to bring your child on mini trek (these run for 1 hour, and an adult needs a ticket too).
What sort of clothing and footwear should I bring?
Please dress according to the weather, we’ll be going off the beaten track, so wellies or boots are a great option!
Can you ride an alpaca?
No, you cannot ride an alpaca, but they love going on walks 🙂
Do Alpacas spit like Llamas?
Typically no, they have a much sunnier disposition than your average Llama!
However they are animals after all, so you should expect all kinds of animal behaviour. This may include pooping, humming, eating, spitting etc…. 🙂
Do you have accessible toilet facilities?
Yes we have both a standard female and gents toilet facilities, along with wheelchair accessible toilets.
Can I bring my dog?
Sorry, dogs are not able to go on our alpaca walks. We are dog lovers too, but the alpacas get very frightened around unfamiliar dogs and there are often expecting mothers and baby alpacas (cria) in the fields.
Have more questions? The alpacas are here to answer anything you need to know.
They can’t operate a computer but will happily help you plan the perfect day with your friends and family!