Whether you are planning a trip to Peru or you are just a generally culturally curious person, you may be wondering, what language is spoken in Peru? Considering Peru’s diverse background, it is a fair question to ask.
From its indigenous background with the Incan empire to the amazonian tribes to Asian and European influences, Peru has been infused with an array of modern and historic cultures. Those cultures are reflected in their food, art, and languages.
The Official Languages of Peru
Peru recognizes three official languages: Spanish, Quechua, and Aymara.
- Spanish: Widely spoken across the majority of central and South America due to colonization from Spain, around 84% of the population speak Spanish as their primary language.
- Quechua: Quechua is a group of Indigenous languages spoken mainly in the Andes of South America, especially in Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, and parts of Colombia and Argentina. It was the primary language of the Inca Empire and is still spoken today by millions of people, making it one of the most widely spoken Indigenous languages in the Americas. In Peru, Quechua is an official language alongside Spanish and is an important part of the country’s cultural identity and history.
- Aymara: Aymara is an Indigenous language spoken mainly in the Andes, especially in southern Peru, western Bolivia, and northern Chile. It is one of the official languages of Peru and Bolivia and is spoken by millions of people, particularly in highland regions near Lake Titicaca. Like Quechua, Aymara has deep historical roots in the Andes and remains an important part of Indigenous culture and identity today.
In addition to its three official languages, Peru is very linguistically rich, with reports of 48-80 + indigenous languages recognized alongside Spanish.
Do Peruvians Speak English?
English is not widely spoken in Peru. If you’re planning a trip to Peru, it is highly recommended that you pick up some basic Spanish vocabulary before flying out. In very touristic areas like Lima, Machu Picchu and Cusco, you should be able to find some English speakers, but it can still be a challenge.
Across the country, around 11% of Peruvians speak some English, with higher concentration in tourist hubs.
Why I Don’t Recommend Relying On Translating Apps
In today’s world, communicating in another language is quite literally a click away.
One day I was getting my nails done at a Russian salon where the nail artist didn’t speak any English. We successfully communicated in detail with translation help of Chat GPT. All I had to do was open the app, press the button to speak, explain to him the scenario and he served as a pocket-ready translator.
While that technology is quite dependable, you must always keep in mind that pickpocket culture is strong in Peru, and sometimes robberies turn violent. Don’t casually pull out your phone, even for translation help, as it can make you a target for thieves.
If you’re in an area that feels safe, go ahead and use your phone with discretion. If you aren’t, make sure you have memorized some basic Spanish for those worst case scenarios.
While various languages are spoken in Peru, the main language is undoubtedly Spanish. With a little bit of preparation and practice, you’ll be able to carry on basic conversations that can lead you to experiencing Peru with even more confidence.
