Panchita the Alpaca Is Stealing Hearts in Time for Valentine's Day

Panchita the alpaca will steal hearts this Valentine’s Day, as a hotel in Cusco, Peru, is offering free Facetimes with the animal.

The JW Marriott El Convento is offering “alpaca-grams” with 7-month-old Panchita on Feb. 14. On a usual day, Panchita, who is a pet, and her owner, Bonifacia, visit hotel guests. 

Through the program, visitors are taught about the alpaca population in Peru and the hotel is able to support local business owners. 

“Alpacas are very important part of the culture here in Cusco and we’ve decided to bring her and Bonifacia here as a way as well to help the local community,” said hotel manager Rodrigo Rizzi. “[Panchita] is pretty friendly. [She] kisses sometimes.”

Rizzi said he thought it'd be a nice idea for couples to be able to gift their significant other with a FaceTime with Panchita.

“I don’t think they would expect to get a FaceTime from an alpaca,” Rizzi said. 

Guests can go to Lovepanchita.com to try to win their chance for a special date with the alpaca, but only 20 people will be chosen at random.

The alpaca is a close cousin of the llama but usually much smaller.  They are predominantly found in Peru but can also be spotted in some neighboring countries.

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