Alpacas are part of the Camelid species, just like camels, dromedaries, llamas, guanacos and vicuñas. They first appeared about 16 million years ago in North America. They later migrated to the southern hemisphere and are now mostly found in the Andes cordillera.

The alpaca fiber was formerly reserved for Inca royalty and referred to as the “Gold of the Andes”. It is internationally recognized as one of the lightest and most luxurious fibers in the world. Not only is it very strong, second only to silk, but it is also extremely soft, warm and light. Clothes made of alpaca fiber can be worn directly against the skin.

Alpacas are peaceful and vulnerable animals. Running away is the only solution they have to survive predator attacks. Alpacas’ number one enemy in North America is the dog, because he can instinctively detect the weaknesses of other animal species. Dogs will often attack, just for play.