The name "Accoyo" refers to an Alpaca that has been bred at Estancia Accoyo in Peru. In the United States we use the name "Accoyo" to refer to alpacas imported from the estancia or to direct descendants of these imports. An alpaca is considered to be a pure Accoyo if its parents are both pure Accoyos.

Estancia Accoyo is located in Macusani, Peru at elevation from 14150 - 18477 feet above sea level. Since there are few places in the world where animals of any kind are raised at that altitude, it follows that only hearty animals prosper. And since alpacas are valued primarily for their fleece, it is to assume that they would have superior coats. This has been proven at alpaca shows in Peru and the United States. According to National Geographic Magazine, Macusani, Peru, is the world center for Alpaca fiber production. While there are other ranches on the Alta Plano of Peru, it is Don Julio Barreda at his Estancia Accoyo who has controlled and maintained the breeding program that has made these animals world famous. The political turmoil in Peru has had a toll on the many ranches and their alpaca herds.

Don Julio has maintained the royal bloodlines, breeding carefully. In his own words:” I have been able to breed well defined Alpaca phenotypes with an absence of atypical animals. I attribute Accoyo's success at breeding Alpacas with superior production qualities to the father's lineage."

The care of the animals at Estancia Accoyo may be another factor. The fact is, he has produced superior animals who, by natural selection, survive in this harsh environment, eating only what nature provides. Don Julio, on his visits to North America, has some interesting thoughts on the environment here and the effect of our more involved herd management.

The Accoyo production charts document a doubling of annual fleece yield per animal since 1946. During the same period, the herd's average body weight per animal has increased 25%.  

Don Julio Barreda Breeding Program

Don Julio describes his breeding philosophy:  "After more than four decades of breeding Alpacas, I can identify some modest achievements. The Accoyo herd is uniform in all respects. I have been able to breed well-defined Alpaca phenotypes with an absence of atypical animals. There are no Huarizos, Suri Huacayas, or Huacaya Suris in my herd.

I attribute Accoyo's success at breeding Alpacas with superior production qualities to the father's lineage. My machos were all bred and selected at Accoyo, and my herd has not suffered from the influence of unknown sires with unknown fathers. I can truly say that the sires at Accoyo have been more than enough, and I am proud of the results."

The Accoyo line is the pinnacle of what all alpaca breeders should strive for today in look, fleece quantity, fineness, and confirmation.  Full Accoyo dams and herdsires remain a prized commodity for those breeders looking to pass on an elite heritage and quality fleece in their own herds.