Travel to Peru and Discover Andean Llamas and Their Way of Life

Traveling to Peru is a unique experience that allows you to discover the natural life of Andean llamas. Llamas are iconic animals that carry the history of the Inca Empire on their backs. For a long time, they were considered sacred by the Incas and were friendly, hardworking animals that played a vital role in the growth of the empire. Llamas were the only animals used to carry loads, making them essential for transportation, agriculture, and daily life throughout the Andes.

When you visit Southern Peru, you can find these typical animals working in main squares and streets, often led by a rope or walking freely. Llamas can also be seen roaming archaeological sites such as Ollantaytambo, Pisac, Chinchero, Machu Picchu, and Choquequirao. Around Lake Titicaca, llamas continue to help the Aymara people by carrying corn, quinoa, and other goods to local markets. In Colca Canyon, you may also see them resting in farmyards, waiting to be visited by travelers.

One of the best places to see llamas up close is Machu Picchu. There, llamas walk freely alongside visitors, running or grazing within the ancient citadel, creating a truly unforgettable experience in one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Llamas in Peru

Peruvian llamas are domesticated camelids and relatives of the humpless camel. They are central to Andean culture and are used as animals for carrying loads, as sources of wool and meat, and for religious purposes.

What other interesting facts about llamas might you not know? Here are some fascinating quick facts for you.

7 Interesting Facts About the Peruvian Llama

1. Llamas may be the key to fighting the flu.

Yes, you heard right. According to recent articles, scientists have been able to use llama antibodies to fight a much wider variety of flu strains, and even potential pandemics, than human antibodies.

2. Llamas were the most important domestic animal of the Inca Empire.

Peruvian llamas were used as pack animals to transport goods throughout the vast empire, and their dung was commonly used as fertilizer. The British Museum houses a small gold model of a llama believed to have been buried as a sacrifice to the Inca mountain god.

3. What's the difference between llamas and alpacas?

It's easy to confuse llamas and alpacas (and their cousins, the vicuñas), but there are some key differences. You can distinguish an alpaca from a llama by its pointier ears, furrier face, and smaller size. Bonus fact: Alpacas, llamas, and vicuñas are all relatives of camels.

4. Llamas spit at other animals when they feel threatened or angry.

Watch out for this if you ever come across a llama! Llamas are known to spit to show their displeasure or irritation, and if you mistreat or upset one, you could get splattered. Don't believe us?

5. Llamas were considered very exotic when Europeans first discovered them.

After his first encounter with the Inca Empire, Francisco Pizarro sailed back to Spain to show King Charles V what he had found. Pizarro showed him the beautiful and intricate Inca goldsmithing, but it's said that what truly captivated the king were the llamas Pizarro had brought back from the New World. Where do llamas live now? Everywhere: Europe, the United States, Canada, Asia.

6. Llamas can run at speeds of up to 35 miles per hour.

We tend to think of llamas as very placid animals that sit and chew their cud, but they are quite athletic. If a llama wants to get somewhere in a hurry, it can certainly do so, reaching top speeds of up to 56 kilometers per hour!

7. Llamas aren't camera-shy!

At least, anecdotal evidence seems to indicate so. There are many llamas grazing in the pristine grounds of Machu Picchu, and they always seem to cooperate with tourists to get a nice photo.

Best Tours in Peru to See Andean Llamas

If you want to see Andean llamas, Machu Picchut Travel recommends booking one of their Peru tours. This will allow you to discover these enigmatic animals during your trip:

If you are only interested in purchasing Machu Picchu tickets, please contact our sales department. Our team is ready and willing to help you plan a custom trip to Machu Picchu, including your tickets.