Vicuñas are native to the high Andes of South America, where they have roamed for thousands of years. Revered by the Inca civilization, they were considered sacred animals, and their wool was exclusively reserved for royalty and the elite. The wool, known for its softness and warmth, was so highly valued that the Inca emperors established strict laws to protect the vicuñas. However, during the Spanish colonisation, vicuñas were hunted nearly to extinction due to the demand for their precious wool.

Thanks to conservation efforts, the vicuña population has steadily recovered. Today, Bolivia is home to a thriving vicuña population, with an estimated 200,000 vicuñas now living in the wild. These efforts have allowed the species to be sustainably managed, ensuring their continued protection while allowing for the responsible harvesting of their wool.

QAPAQ sources its knitwear wool exclusively from Bolivia, the sole country where 100% of the vicuña population roams freely in the wild and traditional shearing methods are still preserved. The wool is harvested during the annual "Chaccu," a traditional century-old shearing ritual led by local communities.