Photos from the Altiplano and Chaccu

The residents of the altiplano have to be very hardy to survive.

The alpacas are well equipped for this environment.

However, the pasture grass here is tough and sparse.

Before the vicuna round-up there were several ceremonies with speeches, music and dancing.

The llamas were dressed up and paraded around.

This was one of the round-up participants.

Eventually the vicunas were rounded up and then some blessing ceremonies were held before the shearing.

There is only a small amount of fleece on each vicuna but it produces one of the finest fabrics in the world.