An alpaca (Vicugna pacos) is a small, domesticated member of the camel family, bred in the Andes of South America for thousands of years for its soft, warm fiber. Today alpacas are kept on every inhabited continent — as fiber animals, breeding stock, gentle companions and stars of farm visits.
Where alpacas come from
Alpacas were domesticated roughly 6,000–7,000 years ago in the high Andes of what is now Peru, Bolivia and Chile. Genetic studies show they descend from the vicuña, a wild camelid of the high grasslands, while llamas descend from the larger guanaco. For the Inca, alpaca and vicuña fiber were a form of wealth, and the finest cloth was reserved for royalty.
Most of the world’s alpacas — well over three-quarters — still live in Peru, many in herds kept by smallholder families on the Altiplano at 3,800 m (12,500 ft) or higher. Alpacas reached the United States in 1984, and today large populations also live in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Canada and across Europe.
Two types: huacaya and suri
| Huacaya | Suri | |
|---|---|---|
| Share of alpacas | About 90% | About 10% |
| Fleece | Dense, crimpy, fluffy — grows out from the body | Long, silky, lustrous locks that hang down |
| Looks like | A teddy bear | Dreadlocks or a mop |
| Best uses | Knitwear, warm garments | Woven fabrics, drapey luxury items |
Both types are the same species and come in more than 20 natural colors. See huacaya vs suri and alpaca colors.
Size, lifespan and life cycle
- Height: about 32–39 in (81–99 cm) at the shoulder.
- Weight: usually 106–190 lb (48–86 kg); most adults weigh 120–180 lb.
- Lifespan: 15–20 years, sometimes 25 or more.
- Pregnancy: about 335 days (11.5 months), almost always a single baby, called a cria.
- Birth weight: 15–19 lb (7–9 kg). Crias are weaned at about six months.
How alpacas eat
Alpacas are efficient grazers. They have a three-compartment stomach and chew cud like cattle, but they are not true ruminants. They eat about 1.5–2% of their body weight in dry matter daily — roughly 2–3 lb of hay — and do best on grass, grass hay, clean water and a camelid mineral. Their soft, padded feet and nibbling grazing style are gentle on pasture.
Read more in our feeding guide and check individual foods in the Can alpacas eat…? database.
Behavior and temperament
Alpacas are prey animals and herd animals. That explains almost everything about how they act:
- They must live with other alpacas — never keep one alone. Three is a good minimum.
- They are watchful and shy, and most dislike being touched on the head.
- They communicate by humming, body posture and, between themselves, spitting.
- The herd uses a few communal dung piles, which makes them remarkably clean animals.
- They give a loud alarm call when they spot a dog or predator.
Learn to read them in our behavior and body language guide.
Why people keep alpacas
- Fiber: alpaca fleece is warm, soft, strong and lanolin-free. Each animal produces about 5–10 lb a year.
- Companionship and land management: they are quiet, clean, low-impact grazers.
- Breeding and showing: registries and shows judge conformation and fleece.
- Agritourism: farm visits, alpaca walks and farm stays are popular.
- Manure: alpaca “beans” are an excellent garden fertilizer.
What alpacas need
At a glance: at least three companions, about an acre of good pasture for every 5–10 animals, a three-sided shelter, sturdy non-climb fencing, clean water, good hay, a camelid mineral, annual shearing, toenail trims every couple of months, and a vet who knows camelids.
Ready for the next step? Read buying your first alpacas, estimate your budget with the cost calculator, and check your area’s climate in our local guides.
Frequently asked questions
Are alpacas and llamas the same? No. Llamas are about twice as big, have long banana-shaped ears and were bred as pack animals; alpacas are smaller and were bred for fine fiber. See alpaca vs llama.
Do alpacas make good pets? They can be lovely, low-impact animals for people with land, but they are livestock that must live in groups and need regular husbandry.
How long do alpacas live? Typically 15–20 years, and many reach their twenties with good care.
Keep reading
This page is educational and does not replace advice from a veterinarian who has examined your animals. Camelid medicine uses many drugs “extra-label”, so dosing must come from your vet. In an emergency, call your vet first. Read our disclaimer · How we write and review content.