Differences between alpaca and llama

Author: Peter Berry
Date Of Creation: 18 February 2021
Update Date: 5 November 2024
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Llama vs Alpaca | Whats the difference
Video: Llama vs Alpaca | Whats the difference

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The llama and the alpaca are native animals of the Andes Mountains and are very important for the countries in the region. Due to the hybridization and near extinction of South American camelids during the Spanish invasion, for many years it was not known for sure which were the real ones. origins of the llama, alpaca and other animals that belong to the same family. Although these origins have already been clarified, it is normal to want to know what the differences between alpaca and llama due to their apparent similarities.

So, in this PeritoAnimal post, with all the information we've gathered, you will also understand that to truly know the distinction between alpaca and llama, it is essential to know their respective Andean relatives: a vicuna and the guanaco. Hi, nice to meet you!


alpaca and llama

In addition to the common cuteness, the confusion between llama and alpaca is more than understandable as they both belong to the same Camelidae family, which is also the same as camels, dromedaries, vicuña and guanaco - they are all mammals ruminant artiodactyls.

Similarities between llamas and alpacas

Some common aspects that can cause us to confuse llama and alpaca are:

  • Common habitat;
  • Herbivorous diet;
  • They walk in herds;
  • Docile temperament;
  • They spit when they are angry;
  • Physical appearance;
  • Soft coat.

South American camelids

According to the article "Systematics, taxonomy and domestication of alpacas and llamas: new chromosomal and molecular evidence", published in the Chilean Journal of Natural History [1], In South America there are 4 species of South American camelids, two of which are wild and two domesticated, they are:


  • Guanaco(Lama guanicoe);
  • Llama (glam mud);
  • Vicuna(Vicugna vicugna);
  • Alpaca(Vicuna pacos).

In fact, as we'll see below, despite the physical similarity and popularity, a llama is much more like a guanaco, just as an alpaca is more like a vicuña, than the similarities between llama x alpaca.

Difference between llama and alpaca

The main difference between llama and alpaca is the fact that they are from different species: Glama mud and Vicuna pacos. The origin of llamas and alpacas is a controversial topic among scholars. As explained, the high hybridization rate made the study of the species very difficult. Despite the similarities, according to the article cited in the Revista Chilena de História Natural [1], actually, genetically speaking, guanacos are closer to llamas, while vicuñas are closer to alpacas at a chromosomal and taxonomic level.


Llama VS Alpaca

Even so, without having to look at the DNA, there are some clearly noticeable differences between alpaca and llama:

  • Size: an alpaca is clearly smaller than a llama. The same goes for weight, llamas are heavier than alpacas;
  • Neck: note that llamas are longer necked and can exceed the size of an adult human;
  • Ears: while llamas have long pointed ears, alpacas have them more rounded;
  • Snout: alpacas have the longest, most protruding snout;
  • Coat: the wool of the llama is coarser;
  • Personality: alpacas are more shy around humans, while llamas are known to be outgoing and even 'bold'.

Alpaca (Vicugna pacos)

Alpaca domestication is estimated to have started 6,000 or 7,000 years ago in the Peruvian Andes. Today it can be found in Chile, Andean Bolivia and Peru, where its largest population is found.

  • Domesticated;
  • Smaller than the llama;
  • 22 shades of colors ranging from white to black (through brown and gray);
  • Long, soft coat.

she is clearly smaller than a llama, measuring between 1.20 m to 1.50 m and can weigh up to 90 kg. Unlike the llama, the alpaca is not used as a pack animal. However, alpaca (wool) fiber also drives the local economy today and its fiber is considered 'more valuable' than llama.

As in the case of llamas, alpacas are also known for their spit reaction to defend themselves, even though they are a docile animal. Huacaya and Suri are the two races from Vicugna Pacos and are differentiated by the type of coat.

llama (glama mud)

The llama, in turn, is the South America's largest camelid, weighing up to 150 kg. Bolivia is currently the country with the highest concentration of llamas, but they can also be found in Argentina, Chile, Peru and Ecuador.

  • Largest camelid in South America;
  • They can measure up to 1.40 and weigh up to 150 kg;
  • Domesticated;
  • Long, woolly coat;
  • Color ranging from white to dark brown.

Studies estimate that for at least 6,000 years the llama was already domesticated in the Andes by the Incas (for the transport of cargo and wool production), it moved the local economy and accompanied royal armies, which contributed to its distribution throughout the region. Even today, its long, woolly coat in colors that vary from white to dark brown is a source of survival for local families in these regions.

Like alpacas, they feed on grass, grass and hay. despite your calm and docile temperament, they can easily get irritated and sneeze at what brought them to this state.

Vicuña (Vicugna vicugna)

Despite not being related, some also confuse vicunas with North American antelopes (Antelope, due to their appearance, size and way of walking). They tend to walk in family or male groups, it is rare to see a vicuña wandering alone, but when they are seen, they are usually single males without flocks.

  • Smallest species in the family, measuring a maximum of 1.30m and weighing up to 40 kg;
  • Dark reddish-brown coloration on white back, belly and thigh, lighter face;
  • Teeth that resemble those of rodents;
  • Deeply split hulls;
  • Wild.

According to a study published by Cristián Bonacic [2], among the camelids of the Andes, the vicuna is the one that has smaller size (It measures a maximum of 1.30 m in height with a maximum weight of 40 kg). In addition to its size, another feature that differentiates it from species in its family is its more deeply split hulls, which allow it to move quickly and agilely over the slopes and loose stones common to the puna, its habitat. Its teeth, which resemble those of rodents, also differentiate it from other species. It is with their help that they they feed on shrubs and grasses close to the ground.

It usually inhabits Andean regions (central Peru, western Bolivia, northern Chile and northwestern Argentina) that are up to 4,600 meters above sea level. Its fine coat is known for being an excellent quality wool that protects it from the cold of the region, but it has also had a high commercial value since the pre-Columbian era.

Vicuna is a camelid that was once at high risk of extinction due to its illegal hunting. But in addition to humans, domesticated dogs, cougars and Andean foxes are some of its most common predators.

Guanaco (Lama guanicoe)

The guanaco can be seen in arid and semi-arid environments in South America (Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia, Chile, Argentina) at an altitude of up to 5,200 meters, and currently Peru is the country where it is most commonly found .

  • Largest wild artiodactyl in South America;
  • It measures up to 1.30m and can weigh up to 90kg;
  • Coloring may be different shades of brown with white coat on chest and belly;
  • Gray face;
  • Ears raised;
  • Big brown eyes;
  • Shorter coat;
  • Wild.

It is distinguished by the shorter coat, but also by small, pointed ears and flashy brown eyes. Another aspect of Guanicoe mud what stands out is his energetic way of walking and the fact that he can go up to 4 days without water.

A trivia about South American camelids

They all defecate and urinate in ’community dung piles’, from your band or another, which can be a foot thick and four meters in diameter. At an ecological level, it is known that in place of these piles of feces and pee, after the rainy season, green and shiny vegetation grows and stands out in the aridity of the puna.