An Ode to Alpacas and Llamas
Yesterday was one of the best days of my life. I would like to say it is because I got the chance to stand in the presence of a ceremonial Incan fortress….but it’s not…It was because of the llamas and alpacas. I will be chasing the high of meeting these creatures for the rest of my life.
As I write this I am trying to explain to Orla the difference between an Alpaca and a llama
She is trying her best to understand, bless her soul, but it’s not working out. She scrolls through her photos of these critters to test herself
“Alpaca?”
“No”
She swipes to another photo
“Llama?”
“No, alpaca”
One last try
“Alpaca?”
“YES! Wait…no”
A rough start indeed but I have faith in her. Practice makes perfect!
Unfortunately though, it has come to my attention that the differences between llamas and alpacas arent as well known as I had previously assumed. Let me learn you all a thing or two about the difference between these two species of camelids.
Llamas are a lot larger than alpacas, measuring somewhere around 1.7 to 1.8 meters from the ground to the top of the head and can weigh anywhere between 100kg to 204kg (Big fellas, I know). These are the ones with the horse shaped heads and banana shaped ears (for lack of a better point of reference). Their fur is not as nice as alpaca fur though, it’s rougher but they do have a soft undercoat. Llamas are definitely the more assertive of the two, but they tend to be easier to approach since they are less shy.
Alpacas on the other hand, which I am personally partial to, are much much much smaller, they are usually only around 1.5 metres tall and weigh between 50kg to 80kg. Their faces are shorter and more pushed in, with straight ears. Their fur is much softer and smoother than llama’s which is why their wool is used for clothing/blankets etc. Alpacas are more on the gentle side. You run a much lower chance of getting attacked by an alpaca but they dont usually have the assertive confidence to be approached without running away.
I really wish I could touch one of the alpacas, if only to gauge the authenticity of my Alpaca sweater but i didnt want to intrude on their space. I don’t think I would like that If I were an Alpaca.
Alpacas are incredible. I, too, experienced some of my best moments on this trip amongst the alpacas yesterday. I’m glad you enjoyed them, too! I appreciate the alpaca facts, as well as the alpaca empathy.
Hey Ben! Thank you for sharing about the distinction between these two amazing creatures! What I’ve really like learning about them is how significant of a resource they have historically been to the communities dwelling in the Andean regions. Their ability to thrive and temperature from +20 to -20, the warm yet breathable clothing that can be made from their wool, and the meat (controversial topic) that can nourish a community has made them an essential and iconic figure to the communities that inhabit this area. Looking forward to seeing more of these amazing and beautiful animals going forward!
Ben! Thank you for your incredibly informative break down between alpacas and llamas. I am wishing Orla luck in her endeavours on being able to distinguish the two. I too thought our moments with the alpacas on Sacsayhuamán was a very special experience. I think the alpaca’s also appreciated you respecting their space. As a vegetarian, I too like my space to eat grass.
Hi Ben, since your deeply informative lessons I am happy to report I can accurately distinguish a llama from an alpacha about 70% of the time, which is a significant improvement! I will continue to reflect on this post as a motivator for learning the difference.
I’m fascinated by your fascination with camelids. Maybe I’m too basic… my favorite animals are cats and seagulls and that’s it. Did you know that near Pisac is the only sanctuary where the four camelids of Peru are found?