Since llamas were adapted to the Andes Mountains, they are well suited for life in colder climates and in general are very hardy animals. Llamas are lighter than horses or donkeys and do less damage to the trails. They may also be used as guard animals to protect sheep flocks from predators. Some llamas are used for their wool. In South America they are used as a food source.
Llamas are fairly easy-keepers.
Heat can also be a problem for llamas. Most of their heat exchange is through the relatively hairless underbelly. Owners can provide their llamas with wading pools or put fans on them to help keep the animals cool in hot humid weather. Shearing the llama also aids in the effort to keep them comfortable. Once they go down they have a hard time getting up and are hard to treat successfully.