Description
An alpaca walk in Turin starts at Cascina Cassotti Balbo, where the team waits by a distinctive green gate. The spot is a patch of countryside inside the city, with Monviso in view. A brief introduction covers the farmhouse's past and the alpacas living on this urban farm, animals that come originally from the Andes.
First comes the meeting. A guide shows the safe way to come close to the alpacas and handle them, and there is time to watch how they behave, pet them and snap your first photos. No two have the same character, and you pick up what sets them apart, their habits and the way they communicate.
- Meeting the alpacas
- Gear for leading the animals
- Expert guide for the whole activity
- Public liability insurance
The main part is a guided walk of about 45 minutes along the lanes round the farm and through nearby Parco Piemonte. Every participant leads an alpaca, so no special skills are needed, and the guide shares facts about the area, its biodiversity and how the farm practises sustainable farming in the city. A pause at the end lets you watch the animals graze. The route is not entirely flat, and light rain does not stop the walk. Wear comfortable shoes; dogs are not allowed, and minors must be accompanied by an adult.