The Alpacas are quadruped animals closely related to camels (camelids); together with Llamas and guanacos, they are one of the distinct and most characteristic species originated in South America. Alpacas have originated in the Andes of Peru, where approximately 70% of the animals of this species live; there are other important communities, which are being preserved from extinction mostly in some national parks in Argentina.
Alpaca wool is considered by many as the best and highest-quality natural fibre in the world; it is extremely soft to the touch and skin, very beautiful and light. It is also processed and stained into a huge variety of colours, a property not found in any other natural fibre; alpaca wool comes in shades and colours varying from white to black and brown.
It also has exceptional thermal qualities, allowing for the design and confection of very effective and lightweight cold weather clothing. Among the natural products usable by outdoor enthusiasts and extreme athletes, it should be considered at the absolute high-end of what is available. It is indeed no coincidence that this wool keeps the alpacas warm and dry even under the worst duress imposed by the most infernal Andean blizzards: it has been proved as a fact that it is seven times more effective than sheep wool, and indeed, sheep don't have to survive under the same deep-freeze environmental conditions found by alpacas.
