Alpacas were a cherished treasure of the ancient Inca civilization.
They played a central part in the Incan culture that was located on the high plateaus and mountains of South America. Alpacas, and their cousins, the Llama, have been domesticated for some 5,000 years. Alpacas produce fine, luxurious cashmere like fleece, once reserved for Incan royalty as an indication of wealth and nobleness. The larger Llama was used to carry cargo on the steep Andean trails. Together these amazing animals provided the food, fuel, clothing, and transportation for a civilization that thrived in an otherwise hostile environment.

Today there are approximately 4 million Alpacas in South America. Canada is home to approximately 7,000 Alpacas.

The Alpaca was almost annihilated when the Spanish conquered the Incas. Alpacas survived only because of their importance to the indigenous people and their incredible ability to live at altitudes and under conditions that cannot sustain the life of other domestic animals.

In the mid 1800’s the English rediscovered Alpaca fibre when studies showed that Alpaca fibre was stronger than sheep’s wool and that it’s strength did not diminish with its fineness. This was the beginning of the textile industry for Alpaca fibre and today the demand for this luxurious fibre is very high. Often compared with Cashmere, Alpaca fibre will always have a place in the world market and it is this that makes raising Alpacas a viable business for today and in the future.