Kristina Bjorksten is a student at the University of California, San Diego, and an ISA Photo Blogger. She is currently studying abroad with ISA in Lima, Peru.
Considering going to Peru and wondering if you will meet any of its famed llamas or alpacas? Rest assured: Peru is home to more llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas than any other country, with over three million roaming the peaks of the Peruvian Andes.
My fellow ISA llama enthusiasts and I took some pretty cute selfies with our new friends.
I guess I got some pictures of Machu Picchu, but look at this llama!
He’s probably thinking “qué rico!” At least that’s what I think whenever I eat something in Peru. Alpaca meat is a common dish in the Andes, and can be served cooked or raw.
Llamas have carried supplies along the over 20,000 km (13,000 miles) of winding Inca roads since the stones were first placed in the 1300s. You might spot some llama wool in carpets and ropes in Andean homes and farms.
You can enjoy the wonderful fluff of the alpaca, woven into a sweater or blanket and sold every direction you turn in the markets of Cusco.
Warning: llamas spit sometimes
Before the Spanish conquistadores arrived, these camelids were the only beasts of burden in South America, and very important for an empire that did not use wheels.
This guy is living the luxury life at Machu Picchu
If you are looking for a travel-size, US customs-friendly version, my fellow ISA blogger Sydnie Schell can point you in the right direction.
Want to read about more adventures in Peru? Check out “4 Reasons Why Everyone Should Visit Ica, Peru“!