A Trip to Alpaca Azerbaijan: Calming Experience in Shamakhi

Most people, especially foreign travelers, look for something special rather than the usual attractions in Azerbaijan.

Indeed, there are times when all of us need calming and soothing experiences.

This is particularly true when we travel with our children or with our family in general.

To be honest, you can experience dozens of such therapies, whether it's offbeat destinations or wildlife experiences, in the Land of Fire.

But in all likelihood, you cannot have a full mellow adventure anywhere else like at Alpaca Azerbaijan.

So, if you want to visit Azerbaijan’s first alpaca farm in Shamakhi and learn all the details like:

What to expect from this trip;

How to get there from Baku;

Entrance fee;

Other attractions nearby or en route, and more;

This article will definitely be helpful to you.

Let’s get to it then.

Alpaca Azerbaijan: The Beautiful Meysari Village in Shamakhi

Eco-tourism's global increase has triggered Azerbaijan to open the first official alpaca farm in Shamakhi.

Opened in 2020, it’s located in Meysari village of Shamakhi, approximately 130 km away from Baku’s old town.

The place of this alpaca farm was not chosen by coincidence.

Because Meysari village has a proper climate, amidst picturesque mountains, green pastures, and meadows.

And all this makes it ideal for these beautiful animals.

It’s just like the alpacas' motherland in South America.

In short, they’re as happy on this farm as they are in the Andes Mountains (they aren’t wild alpacas (vicuñas) though).

What Is an Alpaca and the Difference from a Llama?

Maybe some people around you don’t know what an alpaca is or confuse them with llamas.

So, let me explain it briefly.

Alpacas were domesticated more than 6,000 years ago by the ancient civilizations of the Andes, most notably the Incas.

They descend from a wild species called the vicuña, which still lives in the wild Andes today.

But alpacas, like those in the Shamakhi farm, continue to live and be bred in many countries, including the US, Australia, and now Azerbaijan, due to their adorable appearance, gentle nature, and luxuriously soft wool.

So they’re like other livestock, such as sheep or cows.

When it comes to the question, on the other hand, what is the difference between a llama and an alpaca?

Llamas are almost twice their size, both in weight and height.

For example, if an adult male llama weighs around 160 kg, an alpaca of the same age weighs no more than 80 kg.

Overmore, llamas, unlike alpacas, are not very friendly.

As you know, llamas have a bit of a bad reputation for spitting as well.

After this brief description, it's time to turn to the topic.

What to Expect from the Alpaca Farm Trip in Azerbaijan

First things first, this place offers you the best calming experience, surrounded by rather friendly and cute alpacas.

Believe it or not, from the moment you arrive, you’ll feel this calmness, scenic atmosphere, with fresh mountain air and panoramic views.

If you are visiting Alpaca Azerbaijan with your family and children, you will hit two birds with one stone.

You can reminisce about your childhood while the kids have fun with the alpacas on the farm.

On the other hand, it will be a great excursion for kids as well, as they’ll learn a lot of things both from the guide and natural interactions with the friendly alpacas.

In the end, the farm gives a lovely signed certificate to the kids as well.

As for the farm, it’s a very well-groomed place.

On the right-hand side of the farm’s main gate, you’ll see a reception for tickets and more.

You’ll pay for the entrance first, and then you will get some guided interesting facts about alpacas. 

If the weather is rainy or the ground is muddy, you’ll be provided with boots along with some food for feeding (carrot etc.) the alpacas.

All of this is included in the alpaca farm entrance fee of 40 AZN (approx. 24 USD).

For kids under 6, you don’t pay a dime.

Useful Tip #1. It is important to make a reservation in advance. Their phone number: +994508221013.

Useful Tip #2. Female alpacas may be less friendly than males, so the male part of the farm is much more fun. If they’ve just come out of the wool shear, they’ll be twice as fun.

To make a long story short, you can be sure that you will get 100% of what you expect by hugging, feeding, and taking photos with the sweet alpacas.

Baku to Alpaca Farm: How to Get There and En Route Spots

To visit Alpaca Azerbaijan from Baku, you mainly have 4 options.

That’s to say:

• By private car

• By taxi

• By bus

• Or by tour

As a newcomer to Azerbaijan taking a trip to alpaca farm in Shamakhi by car might be much more reasonable.

For example, by hiring a car from one of the car rentals in Baku, you can also stop by other attractions en route.

Like at spots such as Diri Baba Mausoleum in Gobustan or Juma Mosque Shamakhi.

Or just near the farm, in Meysari Winery, you can taste good Azerbaijani wines with the best local Azerbaijani food.

On the flipside, you can also take a taxi using taxi apps in Baku or just hop on a bus at Baku International Bus Station.

I personally don’t recommend using taxi apps or just taking taxis from the vicinity of 20 Yanvar Metro Station (Shamahinka).

Because calling a taxi through apps from Baku to Shamakhi is way more expensive, and grabbing an intercity taxi as a tourist might be a nightmare for you.

Cause you are likely to be scammed if you’re not familiar with the prices.

The cheapest way, on the other hand, is to take a bus from Baku International Bus Station.

A ticket is around 4 AZN (2.5 USD).

As for the downside, jumping on a bus from the bus station in Baku means dealing with scheduled buses.

Buses from Baku to Shamakhi usually depart twice a day at 9:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

And they only go to the bus station in Shamakhi, which is about 9 km (5.6 miles) away from Alpaca Azerbaijan.

The last option, namely by tour, is much more headache-free.

You can add this place to your Shamakhi tour itinerary and sit back and relax.

Have a calming trip!