Purchased in El Alto, this intricately woven shawl with its generous
fringe is made from alpaca wool and so buttery-soft, you’ll probably want to
sleep in it (go right ahead—we won’t judge you).
Now you may be wondering
about the difference between a llama and an alpaca. Llamas, along with alpacas,
vincuñas and guanacos are all camelids (i.e. related to the camel, but
humpless), yet there are marked physic...
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Now you may be wondering
about the difference between a llama and an alpaca. Llamas, along with alpacas,
vincuñas and guanacos are all camelids (i.e. related to the camel, but
humpless), yet there are marked physical distinctions between them. Besides
being about double the size of an alpaca, llamas have two coats—a course outer
layer and a soft inner one—while alpacas have a single fine coat—a miracle
fiber that besides being warm and luxurious, is also water-repellent,
fireproof, and hypoallergenic. The reason? For many centuries Alpacas have been
bred for their fiber, while llamas—those uncomplaining beasts of burden—have
always been bred to carry the heavy load.
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