There are two varieties of Alpacas: Huacaya and suri. The Huacaya Alpaca is the most numerous in Peru. It has short, curly, dense and fluffy fibre, that is extended all over its body, except for its short-haired face and paws. The Suri Alpaca, has straight, silky, long and exceptional brightness.

To the Andean high zone, the breeding of alpacas represents and economical activity of great importance and in many cases is one of the few means of subsistence for the peasant communities.