Camel or Dromedary - What’s the Difference?

2. What Are Llamas, Alpacas, Guanacos and Vicuñas?

Llamas, alpacas, vicuñas and guanacos live in the South American Andes (a mountain range). They are part of the camel family.

Llama

• Size: 43-51 inches (110-30 cm) (shoulder heigth)
• Weight: 264-330 lb (120-150 kg)

Llamas are much bigger than alpacas and have large, banana-shaped ears that stand on end.

Llama - Photo: andreanord/Shutterstock

Llama - Illustration: lantapix/Shutterstock

Alpaca

• Size: 32-35 inches (81-88 cm) (shoulder heigth)
• Weight: 121-143 pounds (55-65 kg)

Alpacas have smaller heads than llamas and are lighter, thinner and have finer wool. Their heads are triangular and mostly surrounded by fluffy wool. Their ears point apart. They are generally calmer and more peaceful than llamas.

Alpaca - Photo: Dieter H/Shutterstock

Alpaca - Illustration: lantapix/Shutterstock

Guanaco

• Size: 47 inches (120 cm) (shoulder heigth)
• Weight: 220-265 pounds (100-120 kg)

The guanaco is related to the llama. They look very similar to vicuñas but are bigger and broader.

Guanaco - Photo: Eduardo Rivero/Shutterstock

Guanaco - Illustration: lantapix/Shutterstock

Vicuña

• Size: ca. 39 inches (100 cm) (shoulder heigth)
• Weight: ca. 110 pounds (50 kg)

Vicuñas are smaller and thinner than guacanos.

• Table of Contents
• 0. Introduction
• 1. Number of Humps
• 2. What Are Llamas, Alpacas, Guanacos and Vicuñas?
• 3. Summary With All Differences