7 Things You Should Know About the Peruvian Llama

Updated on August 23, 2024 by Peter Stein in Miscellaneous with 0 Comments

Perhaps you’ve seen this recent viral video of a Peruvian llama climbing adeptly into a taxi in Cusco.

The Peruvian llama, the obedient beast of burden revered by the Inca, sometimes could use a break, like this little guy, who hopped a taxi in the heart of Cusco — Click to Open YouTube Video of this diminutive llama hopping into the taxi

Pretty impressive!

But, besides their apparent ability to hop into vehicles, what other interesting facts about llamas did you not know about llamas in Peru? We’ve got a few quick, fascinating facts for you.

7 Interesting Facts about the Peruvian Llama

1. Llamas may be the key to fighting the flu.

Yes, you heard that right. According to the recent articles, scientists have been able to use antibodies from llamas to fight a much wider variety of flu strains, and even possible pandemics, than human antibodies can.

2. Llamas were the most important domestic animal in the Inca Empire.

Peruvian llamas were used as pack animals to transport goods throughout the vast empire, and their dung was commonly used as fertilizer. The British Museum houses a small gold model of a llama believed to have been buried as a sacrifice to the Inca mountain god.

3. What is the difference between llamas and alpacas

It’s easy to confuse llamas and alpacas (and their cousins, vicuñas), but there are a few key differences. You can distinguish an alpaca from a llama by its pointier ears, fuzzier face, and smaller size. Bonus fact: Alpacas, llamas, and vicuñas are all related to camels.

4. Llamas spit at other animals when threatened or angered.

Be careful with this one if you ever cross paths with a llama! Llamas are known for spitting to show displeasure or irritation, and if you mistreat or upset a llama, you may get sprayed. Don’t believe us?

5. Llamas were considered very exotic when first discovered by Europeans.

After his first encounter with the Incan Empire, Francisco Pizarro sailed back to Spain to show King Carlos V what he had found. Pizarro showed him the beautiful, intricate silver and gold workings of the Inca, but it’s reported that what truly captivated the king was the llamas Pizarro had brought back from the “New World.” Where do llamas live now? All over. Europe, the United States, Canada, Asia.

6. Llamas can run at speeds of up to 35 miles per hour.

We usually think of llamas as very tranquil animals who sit around chewing cud, but llamas are quite athletic. If a llama wants to get somewhere in a hurry, it can certainly do so, with top speeds of up to 35 miles per hour!

7. Llamas are not camera shy!

At least, anecdotal evidence seems to point to that. There are plenty of llamas who graze on the pristine grounds at Machu Picchu, and they always seem to cooperate with tourists for a nice photo.