Alpacas are part of the camelid family, just like camels, dromedaries, llamas, guanacos, and vicunas. They appeared about 16 million years ago in North America, then migrated to the Southern Hemisphere, where they are found mainly in the Andes.

Alpaca fiber, once reserved for Inca kings, is often called the Gold of the Andes. It is internationally recognized as one of the finest and most luxurious fibers on the planet. In addition to being considered one of the strongest natural fibers in the world, after silk, alpaca fiber is extremely soft, warm, and lightweight. Alpaca garments can be worn directly against the skin.

Alpacas are gentle and vulnerable animals. Running away is their only way to survive predator attacks. The number one enemy of alpacas in North America is the dog. Dogs can detect the vulnerability of another animal species. By instinct, they will attack them, often just to play.