Llamas, Alpacas, Vicuņas and Guanacos

In Peru there are four species of camelids. Two domesticated (llama and alpaca), and two wild species (vicuņa and guanaco). Ideally conditioned for life at high altitudes, these camelids have developed a number of adaptations that make them some of the best-prepared creatures in the Andes. The finest natural wool in the world, cushioned toes that prevent the compacting and subsequent erosion of the ground they travel on, teeth that continue growing all their lives, and a stomach that can digest great variety of the native plants of the Andes. Peru has the largest population of alpacas and vicuņas in the world.