Llama Pack Caravans

Timeline

1. c. -3000–1350Peru–Bolivia plateau · BoliviaAndean ayllu communities herded llamas and alpacas on high-altitude pastures; llamas bore pack loads and provided wool fiber and meat, forming a highland livelihood system complementary to terrace agriculture.
2. 1360–1370Cusco to the Urubamba Valley · CuscoTribute communities organized caravans of dozens to hundreds of llamas each season, carrying potatoes, corn, and textiles along mountain trails to the Cusco royal storehouses, while also hauling building materials and rations to mita labor sites.
3. c. 1450–1532Inca road network (Qhapaq Ñan) · ChileThe imperial road network maintained tambo waystations where caravans rested and swapped animals, while quipu officials recorded caravan inventories; salt, fishmeal, and metalware between the coast and highlands were also moved by llama caravans, supporting imperial finance and military mobilization.