A day out on the farm with alpacas, olive picking and a barbecue in Montoro

If you still think that olive oil appears as if by magic on the supermarket shelf, it’s time to face reality.

In Montoro, Córdoba, a full day’s experience awaits, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in country life during the olive harvest. You’ll take part in the traditional olive harvest, meet some friendly alpacas and donkeys, and enjoy an al fresco lunch topped off with a grand barbecue to round off the day.

What we will do

We’ll meet at 10. 00 at the estate in Montoro, Córdoba, a hidden spot amongst centuries-old olive trees. There, our hosts will welcome us with open arms and, as nobody in the countryside would dream of working on an empty stomach, we’ll kick off the day by sharing a small welcome snack. A good, freshly brewed coffee, village bread with tomato and the estate’s own olive oil will be the perfect fuel to warm us up and get us in tune with the rhythm of the mountains.

Shortly afterwards, we’ll head out into the fields to discover the secrets of olive growing and learn to see these trees in a whole new light. After the walk, we’ll sit outdoors — by the pool or in the picnic area — to enjoy a country-style lunch featuring local produce and recharge our batteries.

With our batteries fully recharged, the highlight of the day will arrive: it’s time to harvest! We’ll set about gathering the fruit using 100 per cent traditional methods, leaving the noise of machinery behind to rediscover the charm of traditional harvesting. It’s all about having a laugh as we move from branch to branch, getting our hands dirty with a farmer’s pride, and seeing who’s the most skilful at filling their basket. Once the harvest is complete, we’ll clean the produce together, savouring that deeply satisfying feeling that only a job well done on the land can bring.

Back at the main part of the farm, we’ll take a well-deserved break to rest. It’ll be time to meet the real ‘high society’ of the place: we’ll be introduced to the glamorous herd of alpacas comprising Pedro, Eduardo, Bernardo, Prada and Valentino (yes, with names worthy of the red carpet) , the endearing little donkeys Phibee and Esperanza, and the boisterous group of goats comprising Murphy, Blanca, Dragón and Kebab. We’ll be able to feed them, take photos with them and even go for a leisurely stroll in the company of the alpacas.

As evening falls, the scent of burning wood will herald the grand finale: an open-air barbecue packed with local meats, fresh salads, bread and more olive oil from the farm (with the option of grilled fish or vegetables if you prefer) . This will bring to a close an unforgettable day of authentic rural life lasting around 10 hours, with the schedule fully adaptable to suit our own pace, so we can return home feeling refreshed and with a big smile on our faces.

Who it is aimed at

The experience is suitable for everyone, with no age limit; those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

The route is not accessible to wheelchair users or people with reduced mobility, as the ground is uneven.

Pets are allowed , provided they are kept on a lead.

Other information

The activity takes place exclusively during the harvest season, from November to January, every day at 10. 00.

A minimum of two participants is required for the experience to go ahead.

Free parking is available on the estate. It is not possible to get there by public transport, but an optional pick-up service is available from the centre of Montoro (around 20 minutes’ drive) for €15 each way. To book this service, you’ll find the organisers’ contact details in your booking confirmation email.

Options are available for people with food allergies and intolerances. Please contact the organisers to let them know of any dietary requirements. You’ll find their contact details in your booking confirmation email.

You can choose to have the olives you’ve harvested pressed and the oil sent to your home (postage not included) , or take home a bottle of the previous year’s olive oil, ready to use.

Recommended clothing

• Comfortable and seasonally appropriate clothing
• Hiking shoes or trainers
• Swimming trunks (in case you want to take a dip in the pool)

Don't forget to bring

Sunscreen