"Alpaca or llama?" was one of my FAQ's during our Peruvian adventure. We saw these soft furry creatures everywhere. They were in the fields, walking along the roads, at small markets, and in the villages. Llamas and alpacas look very similar, but like any animals that are related, they also have some differences.
The alpaca is shorter and they are softer to the touch. Llamas spit A LOT more than alpacas. (I found this out from personal experience...) Also, the ears on a llama are banana-shaped, while alpacas have straight ears. Llamas and alpacas are considered pack animals in Peru. They can carry as much as a donkey or horse, but have more benefits. they are easier to train, their wool can be used for many different things, they can be guard animals, and (unfortunately for the alpaca) you can eat them. At one of the hotels that we stayed at, lunch for the adults was alpaca. I could not bring myself to eat it, but my mom did. She said that it tasted a bit like lamb.
The alpaca is shorter and they are softer to the touch. Llamas spit A LOT more than alpacas. (I found this out from personal experience...) Also, the ears on a llama are banana-shaped, while alpacas have straight ears. Llamas and alpacas are considered pack animals in Peru. They can carry as much as a donkey or horse, but have more benefits. they are easier to train, their wool can be used for many different things, they can be guard animals, and (unfortunately for the alpaca) you can eat them. At one of the hotels that we stayed at, lunch for the adults was alpaca. I could not bring myself to eat it, but my mom did. She said that it tasted a bit like lamb.
A couple of times, people dressed up in traditional Peruvian outfits had alpacas with them. We found out they have different personalities. Some wanted to be petted and hugged. Others walked away when we got close.
One llama we encountered insisted on giving "kisses." Llama slobber is pretty gross. Llamas and alpacas are important to the Peruvian people and their culture. They're also really cute!
One llama we encountered insisted on giving "kisses." Llama slobber is pretty gross. Llamas and alpacas are important to the Peruvian people and their culture. They're also really cute!
Hi--this is Becca's mom. Becca's younger sister has been telling me that llamas look like they're smiling. Now from your terrific photo I see what she means. The llama looks so sweet. But I'm glad I won't have to get "kissed"!
Cool! Now when I go to the zoo, I can see whether the lama is a lama or alpaca, or whether the alpaca is an alpaca or a lama! I hope that makes sense.
Phew, I was one of the lucky ones who didn't get a slobber-smooch from a llama or alpaca! :)
It was so cool walking in the streets, though. Many, if not most of the children I saw in Peru carried a baby alpaca or llama in their arms wherever they went. How cool is that?! They all had pet baby alpacas and llamas!
I was determined to bring a baby alpaca home with me, but soon discovered it wouldn't fit in my suitcase...plus, I finally decided I probably wouldn't be able to get it through security, either. :)
Kenna
Oh! If you got a slobber smooch from a llama or an alpaca it would be so worth it! I have little bottle fed calves and they slobber alot! They like to suck on your hand and it is very slobbery! It is all part of the experience! Peru rocks!
~Celeste~
hello!
i am sweetspiritc and i think this is awesome! i love llama's HAHA! and im new i just made an account and i was wondering if someone could help me? cause i want to make a craft and i have no IDEA how to make one! :) and im sure someone could help me
thanks for the llama information
love sweetspiritc