The site is managed by Michell & Cía, a long-standing company known for being one of the world's largest processors of alpaca fiber.
The facility functions as both a heritage museum and an active production site, bridging historical weaving traditions with modern industrial quality standards.
The onsite live animals are kept as educational specimens to represent the genetic diversity of South American camelids.
The architecture preserves traditional Arequipa style, utilizing volcanic sillar stone common in local construction.
Mundo Alpaca is a living museum and experiential center dedicated to the history and processing of alpaca fiber in Arequipa. The site features live alpaca and llama herds housed in an urban setting. Visitors can observe traditional hand-weaving and spinning demonstrations by local artisans using ancestral techniques. The facility includes an exhibition of the various natural breeds of the Andes, including alpacas, llamas, and guanacos. A textile showroom displays and sells garments produced from the fiber processed on-site. The premises occupy a historic building restored to showcase regional textile heritage. It serves as an educational space focused on the connection between high-altitude Andean agriculture and global fashion. Educational displays detail the technical characteristics of different fiber qualities like Huacaya and Suri.
The central garden area, which provides a clear view of the alpacas with the historic volcanic stone walls in the background.
Visit the weaving workshops first to see if artisans are active before browsing the retail store.
Spend time in the garden area to observe the animals in a quiet environment before the site gets crowded.
Ask staff about the difference between Huacaya and Suri fibers for a deeper understanding of the local industry.
Do not treat the site merely as a petting zoo; it is an educational facility focusing on textile production and animal husbandry.
Maintain a respectful distance from the animals and avoid feeding them unless explicitly instructed by staff.
