At an altitude of 4,420 meters, Pacchanta defies the laws of human habitation. Coordinates: 14°21′ S, 71°10′ W. Night temperature: -15°C. Diurnal temperature range: 30°C. Winds at 97 km/h. In this climatic hell live the guardians of "the white gold of the Andes," the finest alpaca fiber in the world.
Extreme Geography
The Altiplano stretches between 3,200 and 5,000 meters in altitude. This puna – high-altitude grassland – is home to 3.6 million alpacas, 87% of the world's population. The fragile ecosystem combines grasslands, wetlands, and peat bogs where the Jarava ichu and Festuca dolichophylla grasses thrive.
The district of Marangani in the province of Canchis concentrates elite breeding. 43,900 hectares of natural pastures, 11,247 inhabitants, density: 25.6 people per square kilometer. Geographical isolation has preserved the genetic purity of the herds for five millennia.
Millennial Adaptation
South American camelids develop unique physiological adaptations. Elliptical red blood cells carrying 30% more oxygen. Oversized heart. High-affinity hemoglobin to compensate for chronic hypoxia at 4,000 meters.
UV radiation 20% higher than at sea level. Alpaca fleece offers natural sun protection. Hollow fibers providing optimal thermal insulation. Reduced scale structure: superior softness to sheep's wool.
Pastoral Ecosystem
The puna functions as an integrated livestock-agriculture system. Pasture rotation preserves vegetation cover. Natural fertilization by camelid droppings. Potato, quinoa, and barley cultivation at high altitudes thanks to this symbiosis.
Exceptional avian biodiversity: Andean condor, flamingos, Puna teal. Mammals: spectacled bear, puma, chinchillas. This fragile ecological balance depends on the maintenance of traditional pastoral practices.
Our References
Alpaca breeding in Peru and perspectives for the futur
Marangani
In a Small Village High in the Peruvian Andes, Life Stories Are Written in Textiles
Puna grassland
Altiplano
Textile characteristics of fiber from Huacaya alpacas (Vicugna pacos)
Alpaca wool and Pima cotton: Peruvian manufacturers focus on the European market
The province of Canchis
Peruvian alpaca: What makes this fiber so highly valued worldwide?
Altiplano, textile roof
At an altitude of 4,420 meters, Pacchanta defies the laws of human habitation. Coordinates: 14°21′ S, 71°10′ W. Night temperature: -15°C. Diurnal temperature range: 30°C. Winds at 97 km/h. In this climatic hell live the guardians of "the white gold of the Andes," the finest alpaca fiber in the world.
Extreme Geography
The Altiplano stretches between 3,200 and 5,000 meters in altitude. This puna – high-altitude grassland – is home to 3.6 million alpacas, 87% of the world's population. The fragile ecosystem combines grasslands, wetlands, and peat bogs where the Jarava ichu and Festuca dolichophylla grasses thrive.
The district of Marangani in the province of Canchis concentrates elite breeding. 43,900 hectares of natural pastures, 11,247 inhabitants, density: 25.6 people per square kilometer. Geographical isolation has preserved the genetic purity of the herds for five millennia.
Millennial Adaptation
South American camelids develop unique physiological adaptations. Elliptical red blood cells carrying 30% more oxygen. Oversized heart. High-affinity hemoglobin to compensate for chronic hypoxia at 4,000 meters.
UV radiation 20% higher than at sea level. Alpaca fleece offers natural sun protection. Hollow fibers providing optimal thermal insulation. Reduced scale structure: superior softness to sheep's wool.
Pastoral Ecosystem
The puna functions as an integrated livestock-agriculture system. Pasture rotation preserves vegetation cover. Natural fertilization by camelid droppings. Potato, quinoa, and barley cultivation at high altitudes thanks to this symbiosis.
Exceptional avian biodiversity: Andean condor, flamingos, Puna teal. Mammals: spectacled bear, puma, chinchillas. This fragile ecological balance depends on the maintenance of traditional pastoral practices.
Our References
Alpaca breeding in Peru and perspectives for the futur
Marangani
In a Small Village High in the Peruvian Andes, Life Stories Are Written in Textiles
Puna grassland
Altiplano
Textile characteristics of fiber from Huacaya alpacas (Vicugna pacos)
Alpaca wool and Pima cotton: Peruvian manufacturers focus on the European market
The province of Canchis
Peruvian alpaca: What makes this fiber so highly valued worldwide?