The alpaca (Lama pacos) is a species of South American camelid mammal. It is similar to, and often confused with, the llama. However, alpacas are often noticeably smaller than llamas. The two animals are closely related and can successfully crossbreed.

Alpacas are kept in herds that graze on the level heights of the Andes of Southern Peru, Western Bolivia, Ecuador, and Northern Chile at an altitude of 3,500 to 5,000 metres (11,000 to 16,000 feet) above sea level. They were not bred to be working animals, but were bred specifically for their fiber.  Alpaca fiber is used for making knitted and woven items, similar to sheep’s wool. These items include blankets, sweaters, hats, ponchos, gloves, scarves, a wide variety of textiles, in South America, as well as sweaters, socks, coats, and bedding in other parts of the world.