Alpaca History
Alpacas, native to South America, are world famous for their luxurious, soft fleece. Alpacas are in the camel family and are considered a cousin to the llama. Alpacas are half the size of llamas and have a very different temperament; typically more docile and kid friendly.
Alpacas were bred for 5,000 years in the Andes Mountains by indigent tribes. Those tribes were conquered by the Incas and now we associate the Alpaca with the Inca civilization.
The Inca thought alpacas to be God's number one gift to man. Often considered the "Fiber of the Gods", only royalty in the Incan tribe were allowed to wear the highest grade alpaca fiber clothing. Alpaca fiber was used as the currency of the Inca and considered so valuable it was stored in vaults under constant guard.
The fiber made life possible for these people living so high in the Andes Mountains (14,000 - 16,000 feet) freezing 320 nights a year and temperatures climbing to 80 degrees the following day.
Fun and Interesting Facts
Did you know....
- Alpaca fiber is 3 times warmer than sheep wool and twice as cool as cotton
- The fiber is stronger, warmer, 1/3 the weight of wool, hypo-allergenic, and extremely soft
- The fiber ranges in color from black, grey and fawn to white... and everything in between
- Alpacas have very long memories. If they learn to trust you they will always trust you
- They are very docile animals and children friendly
- Baby alpacas are called 'crias'
- Each alpaca has its own temperament - just like us
- They will stay in family units and have a set group of alpaca friends
- Shearing can yield 5 - 10 lbs of fiber per alpaca
Gift Shop
We offer a wide variety of Alpaca products which includes: sweaters, scarves, gloves, blankets, hats, socks handmade rugs, raw fiber. plus nine types of alpaca socks from casual to therapeutic, to sport and thick hunting socks. Alpaca makes excellent gifts for yourself, friends and family. Browsers Welcome! We accept major credit cards and ship nationwide, offering free shipping with a minimum purchase.
Alpacas of the Southwest
1108 McCarrel | Kingman, AZ 86401
(928) 225-1450 | (702) 338-7806
Turn South on Blake Ranch Road and take 1st left
Upcoming Events
Alpacas of the Southwest is very active in the community, in the small town of Kingman, Arizona. We participate in the Kingman Farmer's Market, the Arts and Crafts Festivals and celebrating Alpaca Farm Days. Alpacas of the Southwest operates the onsite Ranch Store, and continually strives to be an integral part of the Alpaca industry.
To see all events, please click this link, Upcoming Events.