The history of the alpaca in Peru dates back thousands of years and is deeply rooted in the country's culture and economy. Alpacas are a species of South American camelids that have been bred and domesticated in the Peruvian Andes since pre-Hispanic times. The first traces of alpaca domestication go back approximately 6,000 years. Ancient civilizations in the region, such as the pre-Inca peoples of Caral and Chavín, already bred and used alpacas for their meat, wool, and as pack animals. During the Inca Empire (15th and 16th centuries), alpaca breeding became a highly significant practice. The Incas greatly valued alpaca fiber and considered it a precious treasure. Alpaca wool was exclusively reserved for the nobility and used for the making of fine garments and textiles. At that time, alpaca wool was even considered more valuable than gold. After the arrival of the Spanish and the conquest of Peru, alpaca breeding suffered a harsh blow. The colonizers imposed their own agricultural and livestock production system, which led to a decrease in alpaca herds. However, some indigenous communities in the Andean regions managed to preserve their alpaca breeding and weaving traditions, passing them down from generation to generation. Today, Peru is the world's leading producer of alpaca. The regions of Puno, Arequipa, and Cusco are renowned for their significant alpaca population and the quality of their fiber. Alpaca breeding is a source of livelihood for many rural communities, and the sale of alpaca products, such as clothing, blankets, and accessories, constitutes an important industry in the country. Peruvian alpaca has gained international recognition for the softness and quality of its wool. Alpaca fiber is considered one of the finest and most luxurious in the world and is used in the production of high-end garments. Furthermore, alpaca breeding is carried out sustainably, as these animals are resilient and do not cause a significant environmental impact. In summary, the history of the alpaca in Peru spans thousands of years and has left a profound mark on the country's culture and economy. Alpacas are valued for their wool, meat, and cultural significance, and they continue to be an integral part of life in the Andean regions of Peru.
Nature becomes art, supported by five thousand years of textile tradition. We are proud of our roots.
We are happy to announce that we are the first launching a Virtual Showroom, which allows us to be closer to our clients and continue being ambassadors of the Peruvian textile tradition and the benefits of the fine alpaca fiber, combining trends, technology, and sustainability. At Textialpaca we have adapted to the circumstances knowing that at every step we take we respect our culture and environment; and we innovate to improve day by day.
Proud to share with you a little of our experience in the trade mission "Expo Peru - Dubai 2019". 50 Peruvian companies arrived in Dubai! 39 exporting firms and 11 from the turism sector held 350 meetings with 99 buyers from Southeast Asia and the Persian Gulf during Expo Peru Dubai 2019.
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