The altiplano is host to many species of wildlife, including chinchillas, wild guinea pigs, flamingoes, gulls, vicuña, guanacos, and Andean condors. Guinea pigs were domesticated between 5,000 and 7,000 years ago and have been used as food and for sacrificial ceremonies by ancient and modern peoples.

Perhaps, the most distinctive and important animals for Andean peoples are the camelids: llama, alpaca, vicuña, and guanaco inhabit. Llamas and alpaca were domesticated approximately 7,000 years ago, and the history of human occupation of the Andes has been closely linked to these animals ever since. Llama and alpacas can eat tough grasses, processing them into energy rich fat and meat used by the peoples of the region. Llamas have been used in sacrifices, with llama fat often given as an offering. Their bones can be fashioned into tools, and the dung, when dried, can be a source of fuel. Llama and alpaca wool has been used for clothing and elaborate textiles, the latter of which have long been traded and presented as gifts throughout the Andes as a mechanism for maintaining social relationships. Llama caravans transported goods across the Andes. Ownership of herds of camelids were considered a sign of wealth.

guinea pigs--llamas--alpacas

vicunas--camelids

flora | geology

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