
Alpacas are one of the most beautiful South American camelids that have been valued for their fine fibers since pre-Inca times due to the thermal properties and quality of their fur. During the Inca times, alpaca fiber was a status symbol and a product highly appreciated by the Inca nobility. Alpacas live in the southern and central region of Peru. Alpacas develop adequately at altitudes that reach between 3,000 and 4,500 meters above sea level in temperatures that range between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius. There are two types of alpaca: Suri, known for its long, wavy, shiny, and silky fiber, and Huacaya, known for its fine, bulky fleece. Alpacas cut their fur every two years, however, only the fine wool of the alpaca is called baby alpaca because of its soft fiber. Alpacas have been bred for their fine fiber for over 5,000 years.