Vicuna in Peru: Discover the sacred animal with the most expensive wool in the world

What is a vicuna?

The vicuna or vicuña is a wild animal that lives in the high Andes, mainly in Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina. It belongs to the South American camelid family and is the smallest of all. It has a slender body, strong legs, and a long neck that makes it look very elegant. Its fur is soft and light beige with golden highlights. Thanks to its agility, it moves easily through the rocky terrain of the Puna. This sacred animal is known for its fine wool.

What does vicuna mean?

The word vicuna comes from the Quechua word "Wik'uña" and is a species of artiodactyl mammal belonging to the genus "vicugna" of the South American camelid family that lives in the Andean highlands.

Scientific name of the vicuna

The scientific name of the vicuna is Vicugna vicugna. This camelid, the smallest in South America, lives in the Andean highlands and is distinguished by its elegant figure and exceptionally fine wool.

Main features of the vicuna that make it unique

• Class: Mammals
• Order: Artiodactyla
• Family: Camelids
• Size: Vicuñas are medium-sized animals. Their body length varies between 1.45 and 1.60 meters, and their height to the shoulders ranges between 75 and 85 centimeters.
• Weight: The vicuña weighs between 40 and 50 kilograms. Its body is slender and agile, adapted to move easily in mountainous terrain.
• Coat and color: The color of its coat is beige or light brown on the upper part and white on the chest and belly. On the chest it has a tuft of long white hairs that provide additional protection against the cold.
• Head and neck: The vicuña has a small head with large, expressive eyes. Its ears are long and pointed, and its neck is elongated, giving it a slender appearance.
• Paws: Its legs are long and slender, adapted to move with agility on rocky and steep terrain. Instead of hooves, they have pads that allow them to walk firmly on uneven surfaces.

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Vicuna types in the Andes

In the Andes, there are two subspecies of vicunas that are distinguished by their geographic distribution and physical characteristics:

• Northern vicuna (Vicugna vicugna mensalis)

This subspecies inhabits Peru, most of Bolivia, and northern Chile. It is characterized by a darker cinnamon-colored coat and has a distinctive white tuft on the chest. The white color of its belly is limited to the lower area, without extending to the sides.

• Southern vicuna (Vicugna vicugna vicugna vicugna)

The southern vicuña is found in Argentina and in some areas of Bolivia and Chile. Its coat is lighter, and the white belly color extends down the flanks to reach the middle of the ribs. Unlike its northern relative, it lacks the chest tuft.

Habitat: Where does the Peruvian vicuna live?

Vicuñas live in the highland steppes of the Andes, located between 3,500 and 5,000 meters above sea level. They are found in the regions of Puno, Arequipa, Ayacucho, and Cusco. Vicuñas prefer the cold, dry pampas, where grass is scarce but sufficient for their food. Their keen sense of hearing and vision allows them to detect predators at great distances, which facilitates their survival in open areas.

Feeding

Vicunas are herbivores that feed primarily on short grasses and herbs that grow in the high mountains. Their diet includes grasses, succulent herbs, and other plants found in their natural environment. Thanks to their continuously growing incisors, they can graze efficiently on these vegetations.

Vicuna, alpaca or llama: How to differentiate them?

At first glance it may be difficult to differentiate them, but here are some characteristics you should know in order to identify them:

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We have an interesting article about the differences among the 4 South American camelids: llama, alpaca, guanaco, and vicuna! To differentiate them better in your next visit to Peru!

The vicuna in Andean history

Some 11,000 years ago, the first inhabitants of the Andean Puna hunted them with bows and arrows to survive. They used the vicuna meat as food, their bones to make tools and their skins for clothing. In addition, they depicted hunting scenes on cave walls, where cave paintings that show the importance of this animal in their daily life can still be seen.

The vicuna the sacred animal of the Incas

During the Inca Empire, the vicuña was considered a sacred animal. Its extremely fine wool was reserved exclusively for royalty. To obtain it without harming the animal, "Chaku" was practiced, an ancient technique that involved capturing, shearing, and releasing vicuñas into their natural habitat. This tradition, performed every three years, reflected the Incas' deep respect for nature and their commitment to the conservation of this species.

The Inca chaku: Ancestral tradition to protect the vicuña

Chaku is an ancient Inca technique that involved surrounding vicuñas with nets and human ropes and guiding them into stone corrals for shearing. They used colorful ribbons called "chimpos" to organize themselves and avoid harming the animals. Once sheared, the vicuñas were immediately released. It is believed that at that time the vicuña population was enormous, close to two million.

Today, this ancient custom is still alive in some regions of Peru, such as Ayacucho, Arequipa, and others. Furthermore, this celebration unites communities and promotes vicuña conservation.

Exploitation and extinction of vicunas during the Colonial Period

During the colonial period, the introduction of firearms intensified the hunting of the vicuna, which was valued in Europe for its fiber. Despite the efforts of leaders such as Manuel Belgrano and Simón Bolívar to curb this practice, the slaughter continued, reaching up to 80,000 specimens per year. As a result, by 1967, the vicuña population was drastically reduced, with approximately 10,000 remaining in the Andes and only 2,000 in the Argentine Altiplano.

International conservation of the vicuna (1969-1979)

By the middle of the 20th century, the vicuña faced a serious threat of extinction. In response, in 1969, Bolivia, Peru, Chile and Ecuador signed an international agreement in La Paz to protect the vicuña. This agreement prohibited hunting, established protected natural areas and strictly regulated trade in vicuña fiber. 

Ten years later, in 1979, the agreement was updated in Lima, reaffirming the commitment to conservation. In addition, the vicuña was included in Appendix I of CITES and classified as a vulnerable species by the UICN, which strengthened its protection and allowed its populations in the Andes to recover.

The vicuna: Symbol of the National Coat of Arms

If you look closely at the Peruvian coat of arms, you will see a small but significant figure in the upper left corner. It is the vicuña, one of the most emblematic animals of the Andean region. It represents and symbolizes the native fauna and the wealth of the country. Its figure has accompanied generations of Peruvians since the proclamation of independence.

Conservation status: Is the vicuna in danger of extinction?

From hunting to rescue: A history of the vicuna's recovery

During the 20th century, the vicuña was hunted indiscriminately for its wool. By the end of the 1960s, there were fewer than 10,000 specimens left in all of Peru. Thanks to joint efforts between the State and rural communities, the vicuña population recovered. Today, the vicuña is no longer critically endangered, but it is still a protected species.

Is the vicuna still in danger of extinction?

Despite progress, the threat remains latent. Climate change, urban expansion and poaching are still present. Laws prohibit its commercialization without certificates of origin, and community conservation programs are promoted. Caring for the vicuña is caring for a piece of living history.

National Vicuna Day

National Vicuña Day is celebrated every November 15 in Peru. This date was established in 2017 by the General Management of Agrarian Development and MIDAGRI with the objective of recognizing the importance of the vicuña as a representative and emblematic species of the country.

Vicuna fiber: The finest wool in the world

What is vicuna wool like and why is it worth so much?

Vicuna wool is one of the finest, softest, strongest, warmest and lightest fibers in the world. Its thickness ranges from 11.6 to 14.2 microns with an average of 12.8 microns, making it one of the most delicate natural fibers. In addition, each animal only produces a minimal amount of wool per year, which makes it very scarce. This balance between quality and difficulty of production increases its value on the international market.

Why is its wool so coveted?

Vicuna wool is so coveted for its softness and lightness. It is only obtained once a year, in small quantities per animal, and under strict regulations. This fiber is considered a luxury and is used in exclusive vicuna fabrics, especially in Europe and Japan, within the international market. Each meter of fabric has a history of care, tradition, and respect for nature.

Bonus fact

Never buy vicuña products without certification, as it could be illegal hunting

From vicuna to fabric: Responsible Luxury

After obtaining wool, vicuna fiber goes through a manual process of cleaning, spinning and weaving. Many luxury brands in Europe, such as Loro Piana, Zegna and Brunello Cucinelli, among others, use this fiber to make exclusive garments like vicuna sweaters and other vicuna fabrics. However, regulations ensure that this process favors high Andean communities and protects animals. Buying vicuña clothing means supporting fair trade and sustainability.

Commercialization of vicuna fiber

Vicuña fiber is mainly traded in international markets, being highly valued for its quality and exclusivity. In Peru, its export is regulated and requires special permits to ensure the conservation of this species. Haute couture firms, especially in France and Italy, use it to make luxury alpaca fabrics such as coats, scarves, stoles, cardigans, sweaters and blankets.

Additionally, some textile industries import this fiber from Peru for processing. The price per kilo can exceed $300, depending on the quality and processing.

Where to see vicunas in their natural habitat

• Pampa Galeras National Reserve (Ayacucho): One of the best-known places to see vicuñas in the wild. Chaccu, an ancient tradition where they are sheared with respect and care, is even celebrated here.
• Cusco Region (Canas, Espinar, Ausangate snow): On trekking routes and in highland areas, it is common to find them grazing at dawn or dusk.
• Salinas and Aguada Blanca Reserve (Arequipa): This protected ecosystem is home to thousands of vicuñas in a setting of lagoons and volcanoes.
• Huascarán National Park (Ancash): This park is one of the protected areas for vicuñas, along with other species. You can also see wild cats, Andean cats, spectacled bears, tarucas, and deer.
• Huayllay National Sanctuary: This sanctuary is home to these species, and you can also see vicuñas here.

Conscious tourism: How to see vicunas without harming them

• Bring binoculars to observe vicuñas in their habitat.
• Wear warm clothing, windproof jackets, and raincoats.
• Always keep your distance; vicuñas are very sensitive to noise and human presence.
• Do not try to touch or follow them.
• Use cameras with a good zoom to take photos without invading their space.
• Avoid buying vicuña clothing without official authorization

Vicunas: Do you dare to follow their footsteps in the Andes?

The Vicuna animal does not make noise, does not allow themselves to be touched easily, and do not pose for photos. These wild animals have no owner and roam freely. If you're lucky, you might come across one in its natural habitat. Seeing them up close is a unique experience that very few travelers experience.

When you see a vicuna animal in the highlands, remember that you are standing before a living symbol of freedom and wild beauty. And if you decide to tell someone about it, do so with the same care with which it treads the puna.