Huacaya alpaca

Accounting for about 90% of the total Peruvian alpaca population, huacaya alpaca is a type of alpaca, a domesticated South American camelid whose high-quality fleece is the primary focus of the animal’s production. The short, curly, dense, and fluffy fleece grown by these animals comes in a wide array of natural colors, and owing to the fleece’s exceptional characteristics, it is one of the most renowned fibers in the textile industry worldwide.

Although the animals’ fibers may be the most economically important product, the meat and skin of the huacaya alpacas are also highly appreciated by-products which've been soaring in popularity in recent years. The tender and mild-flavored meat of this animal is considered a great source of protein and is distinguished by a very low content of saturated fat, cholesterol, and calories, making it one of the healthiest meat choices in the world.

Available in many high-end Peruvian restaurants, alpaca meat comes in a variety of different cuts such as steaks, back straps, rump steaks, tenderloin, strip loin, shoulder rolls, and mince or sausages.