Vicuña

What truly sets the vicuña apart is the exceptional quality of its wool - a fibre so fine, so soft, and so rare, it was once reserved exclusively for Inca royalty. With individual fibres measuring a mere 12-14 microns in diameter, vicuña wool is incredibly lightweight yet remarkably warm, and possesses an unparalleled luxurious feel.

This "fibre of the gods," as it was known, has long been prized in Peru, sparking a history of cultural reverence and economic value that has endured for centuries. Yet vicuña populations faced a dark period of peril in the 20th century, as unchecked hunting drove them to the brink of extinction. Thankfully, through innovative conservation efforts led by the Peruvian government and local communities, these magnificent creatures are making a slow but steady comeback, offering hope that this vanishing treasure of the Andes may once again grace the high-altitude landscapes that have been its home for millennia.

The vicuña is widely considered the "pride of Peru" due to its deep cultural significance and economic importance within the country. For centuries, the vicuña's exceptionally fine and soft wool was reserved exclusively for the finest garments of the Inca nobility. This material became a symbol of privilege and prestige, woven into the very fabric of Peruvian identity.

For the Andean people, the vicuña encapsulates the innate pride and resilience of Peru, a living embodiment of the nation's unique identity. As a creature found only in the rugged Andes, the vicuña has come to symbolize the enduring spirit of the Peruvian people, their deep reverence for the natural world, and their commitment to preserving their most iconic cultural assets. In this way, the vicuña truly stands as the "pride of Peru."