Meet Alpacas
Alpaca is not just an animal – it is a symbol of gentleness, resilience, and the human connection to nature. Its fibre, as warm as the sun of the Andes and as soft as a cloud, carries a story of survival, respect, and generations of tradition.
Shy and gentle alpacas (Vicugna pacos) come from South America. These even-toed ungulates of the camel family are closely related to llamas, guanacos, and vicuñas – yet remain unique and valuable. Around 6,000 years ago, the indigenous peoples of the Andes began domesticating wild vicuñas, transforming them into alpacas – animals that still provide some of the world’s finest fibres.
Alpacas have a remarkable, sometimes turbulent history. In the ancient Inca Empire, their soft, luxurious fleece was reserved exclusively for the nobility. Alongside llamas, they served humans not only as a source of food and warmth but also as beings imbued with spiritual significance – a gift from Pachamama, Mother Earth, surrounded by an aura of mystery and magic.
Unfortunately, with the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors, over 90% of the alpaca population was wiped out. They survived only thanks to indigenous communities who sheltered them in the remote areas of the Altiplano plateau. Today, after centuries of recovery, the global population of alpacas exceeds three million, with 99% living in the mountainous regions of Peru, Bolivia, and Chile.
There are two main breeds of alpaca: Huacaya and Suri. Huacaya are more common, accounting for 93% of the alpaca population. Their fleece is fluffy, plush-like, with crimped, wavy fibres. Suri alpacas have long, shiny, very soft, slightly curly locks, reaching up to 50 cm in length. Suri fibre is rarer and more expensive.
See the Suri Collection
Alpacas are perfectly adapted to the harsh conditions of the Andes. To survive freezing winters and scorching summers, they developed soft, dense fleece with thermoregulating properties to protect them from extreme and highly variable climates year-round.
This is why alpaca fibre is the best natural filling for duvets and pillows. It provides not only physical comfort for sleep but also a deep sense of calm and wellbeing.
Learn More About Alpaca Fibre
