Andean Llama Carrying System

Timeline

1. c. -3500–-2000Puna grasslands of the southern Peruvian highlands · Peruvian HighlandsDomesticated from the wild guanaco (Lama guanicoe), llamas were first herded on the Andean Puna grasslands, providing wool raw material and meat, gradually evolving into the main highland pack animal, each capable of carrying about 30 to 40 kilograms.
2. c. 1400–1532Throughout the Inca Empire · AndesThe Inca Empire brought millions of llamas under state control for transporting grain, cloth, weapons, and other strategic supplies along the Inca road network (Qhapaq Ñan). The state llama herds are estimated to have exceeded three million head, the strongest freight system in a wheelless civilization.
3. 1601–1610Potosí–Lima ore route · Bolivian PlateauIn the early 17th century, the Potosí silver mines (4,090 meters elevation) were the world's largest silver source; caravans of tens of thousands of llamas traversed rugged mountain roads day and night, carrying ore and refined silver ingots to distribution centers such as Cuzco and Arica. On plateaus above 4,000 meters, the llama's cold and low-oxygen tolerance made it far superior to European-introduced mules and horses.