Fun Extras & Pro Tips

How to Tell the Difference: Llamas, Alpacas & Vicuñas

Travelers often lump them all together, but locals can spot the difference instantly. Here’s how to tell them apart:

• Llamas: Tallest of the three, with long faces and banana-shaped ears. Often used as pack animals. They can carry loads but are also known for spitting if annoyed.

• Alpacas: Shorter and fluffier, with blunt faces and soft fleece. Their wool is prized for sweaters, scarves, and blankets you’ll see in every market.

• Vicuñas: Wild and elegant, smaller and more delicate than llamas and alpacas. Their cinnamon-colored coats produce the world’s most expensive wool. You’ll spot them in high-altitude national reserves.

👉 Fun fact: By the time we left Peru, we were playing “llama, alpaca, or vicuña?” game on road trips, and finally started getting it right.

Important Differences

• Toilet Paper: Don’t flush it! Bins are provided. Double-check with Airbnb hosts.

• Bathrooms: Always carry tissues or a small roll.

• Paying at Cafés: The server brings the card machine to you. Tell them the total before they swipe, since tips can’t be added afterward.

• Markets: Many need exact change. Vendors may politely refuse big bills.

Everyday Surprises

• Earthquakes: Tremors are common. Don’t panic. Step away from windows and wait it out.

• Street Dogs: They’re everywhere, especially in the Andes. Most are indifferent, but don’t pet them (rabies risk).

• Vendors in Plazas: You’ll likely be offered massages, tours, or paintings while sitting in city squares. A friendly “no, gracias” usually does the trick.

Comfort & Convenience

• Cash for Trails: Even small hikes sometimes have entry fees. Always have a few soles in your pocket.

• Rent or Buy Gear: Forgot trekking poles? You can rent them in Cusco, or even buy cheap ones at markets.

Mindset Matters

• It’s Not All About the Inca: Peru’s history goes far beyond one empire. Don’t skip pre-Incan ruins, colonial sites, or living traditions.

• Don’t Rush: Peru is best enjoyed slowly. The most meaningful moments often happen when you stop trying to see it all.

👉 Our experience: Some of our most memorable days weren’t the “bucket-list” ones. They were the slow afternoons in small towns, watching daily life unfold around us.

✨ Bottom Line: The little things matter in Peru. Keep small bills, say “no, gracias” with a smile, embrace the quirks, and let the journey surprise you.