An adult guanaco (Lama guanicoe). Photo by Ross Donihue and Marty Schnure.
We have fallen in love with the guanacos (Lama guanicoe) in the Chacabuco Valley. We’ve seen them playing, fighting, mating, defecating, relaxing, rolling in the dust, and just being silly. We have grown fond of guanacos not just for their charismatic features, but also for their convenient paths through the backcountry!
Adult guanacos stand 5-6 feet tall and have a similar appearance to a llama or an alpaca. Their diet consists of bunchgrass, bushes, fungi, and lichens. Here in the park, they are simply everywhere.
Photo by Marty Schnure and Ross Donihue
Here are some fun facts about guanacos:
• Guanacos have communal “latrines” so be careful where you walk!
• Guanacos have a gestation period of 345 to 360 days — almost a whole year!
• Immature male guanacos live and travel in bachelor herds separate from the females and juveniles until they are 4 to 6 years old.
We’ve had a lot of fun observing the guanacos that hang out around our camp, especially the extremely cute baby guanacos. Their funny antics are wonderful evening entertainment. Let us know if you’d like to see more guanaco photos!
A baby guanaco with its herd. Photo by Marty Schnure and Ross Donihue.
A young guanaco born just a few months ago. Photo by Marty Schnure & Ross Donihue.
Source: Chester, Sharon (2008). A Wildlife Guide to Chile. Princeton University Press.
Nice Pictures! Can I request a Guanaco silhouette sunset pic? Thanks for the great info!
Thanks, Col! The silhouette pic should be fairly easy — they really like to pose on ridges looking regal.
What great fun you two are having while working!
Cary
Really cute! You guys have been all over…..sorry I have been out of touch. I am back in Costa Rica exploring other areas. Maybe I will see you somewhere in the world….keep up the good work. Paula
Do you also have vicuna or are they only in the north?
I haven’t seen any more “spot” locations. Its it still working?
Very photogenic creatures, and good photography. It will be nice in your presentations to have one or two favorites.
A delightful introduction to your blog. I loved both the pictures and the facts. Keep up the good work!
Love your pictures!! Grandma
Hi guys! I’m so glad you have made friends with some of the wildlife- they look adorable. I hope you are still having fabulous weather. All the photos are really beautiful. Miss you! Love, Gin