Fotocopia.

Contenido: Introduction -- Reference family of andean pastoralists and their hards -- Caravans: recruitment, management and functioning -- Historical perspectives on andean markets and caravans -- Llama caravans in the Andes in the last 25 years -- Some Andean exchange features -- General model -- Literature cited.

In this paper I intend to explore some of the ramifications of the use of camelide or auchenide (the llama and the alpaca) in providing both the goods and the means of commodity transport that until recently has been a crucual factor in the integration of andean communities. The llama caravan drovers, or fleteros, are the important actors under consideration. The synthesis of disperats information begins with the outline of a simplified picture of the social setting of the fletero, and methods of caravan recruitment. Sequentially a number of other aspects will be summerized, including both the historical and the contemporary use of trade caravans. Historical studies are particularly useful in helping un to distinguish those factors deriving from the general pastoral model, from those factors duo to modern political forces.