Spanish is the official language of Peru and what you’ll hear most — but Peru is proudly multilingual, and in the Andes you’re just as likely to be greeted in Quechua, the language of the Inca. A few words of either will open doors (and earn warm smiles) all along the classic Cusco–Machu Picchu trail.
Around 82% of Peruvians speak Spanish, and it’s the language of business, media and daily life in Lima and the cities. Peruvian Spanish is clear and relatively easy on the ear — many travelers find it gentler than the rapid-fire accents elsewhere in the region. Like all of Latin America, Peru uses ustedes for “you all” rather than Spain’s vosotros, and you’ll notice regional turns of phrase as you move between the coast, the highlands and the Amazon.
Spanish isn’t Peru’s only official language. Quechua and Aymara are co-official wherever they predominate — a recognition of how alive they remain. Quechua, the tongue of the Inca Empire, is spoken by several million Peruvians, especially in the highlands around Cusco and the Sacred Valley, the very heart of any Machu Picchu trip. Aymara is concentrated in the far south around Lake Titicaca and Puno, including the Uros people of the famous floating reed islands. Beyond the Andes, dozens more Indigenous languages survive in the Amazon basin, making Peru one of the most linguistically rich countries in South America.
Many Peruvians enjoy practicing their English with visitors, though few speak it fluently — so meet them halfway and be patient, just as you’d hope they’d be with you. In hotels, restaurants and the main tourist sites you’ll find English spoken well, and every one of our guides is English-speaking, with other languages available on request.
You don’t need to be fluent — a few words go a long way. A “Spanish for Travelers” class or an app like Duolingo or Rosetta Stone is an easy way to pick up the basics before you fly. Start with these:
And in the highlands around Cusco, a little Quechua will absolutely delight the locals:
Ready to hear Quechua spoken in its homeland? Browse our Peru tours — with English-speaking local guides, you’ll never miss a word.
