Ethnoarchaeological studies provide details on the more immediate decision making practices of caravan drivers including the daily routine, the rate of travel, and the scheduling of rest days. References in the ethnographic and ethnohistoric literature concerning to the velocity and capacity of llama caravans provides benchmarks for estimating the rate of travel in prehispanic times. There is some variability in the reported weights, speeds, and distances in the ethnographic and ethnohistoric literature (Bonavia 1996: 501-515).

Table 3-1. Reported llama caravan loads, distances, and times.

Caravan drivers generally arise at first light and begin preparing for the journey and loading animals for an early departure. Caravans often travel until early afternoon when camp is established and the animals are allowed to graze. As camelids do not pasture at night (whereas Equusdo) ample time must be provided for animals to feed during the afternoon in order to avoid stressing the animals (Nielsen 2000: 446-449). Rest days are taken regularly on caravan routes that exceed six days, with Nielsen (2000: 461) reporting one rest day for every three to five days of travel (Lecoq 1988: 185-186;West 1981: 70). The top priority with respect to nightly campsite selection is the needs of the herd animals. Quality pasture is sought for the animals, the next priority is sufficient water, and additionally the emotional condition of the llamas is considered as reported the llamas can be restless in certain camps. Subsequently the needs of humans are considered including hunting opportunities, trade opportunities, and the comfort of the camp. Thus, while economic and social demands frame the larger scale decisions of caravan routes and products to transport for trade, the needs of the herd animals dominate in short term decision making (Nielsen 2000: 490).

Male llamas are larger and caravan animals are typically castrated males, based on some reports, but "left intact" according to others. Flores Ochoa (1968: 118), reports that castrated llamas produce better meat and wool, but non-castrated llamas make better caravan animals. According to most other reports caravan llamas are castrated because they are stronger and tamer, and this practice allows herders to manage mixed herds (Browman 1990: 398;Nielsen 2001: 168;West 1981: 66).