The Languages of Peru

The Languages of Peru reveal a rich mix of Spanish and indigenous tongues officially recognized across the Andes. If you’re traveling to Peru, you might think Spanish is the only language—but Peru is multilingual. Alongside Spanish, many indigenous languages have been spoken for centuries.

“Official languages of the State are Spanish and, wherever they are predominant, quechua, Aymara, and other native tongues in accordance with the law.”

Spanish Language

About 84 percent of the Peruvian population speaks Spanish (known as Castellano or Español), making it by far the most widely spoken language in Peru. It is also the principal language of the Peruvian government, the media, and the education system.

However, Spanish-speaking travelers in Peru will come across slight regional variations in the language, such as changes in pronunciation and common expressions.

As with so many things in Peru, these variations correspond with the nation’s three geographic regions: coast, mountains, and jungle. A coastal resident of Lima, for example, can usually identify a Peruvian from the jungle by his or her way of speaking.

Quechua Language

Quechua is the second most common language in Peru and the most widely spoken native language. It is spoken by about 13 percent of the population, primarily in the central and southern highland regions of Peru.

Many subdivisions exist within the quechua language family to such an extent that some quechua-speakers find it hard to communicate with those from different regions. A member of a quechua community in Northern Peru, for example, might struggle to communicate clearly with someone from Cusco or Puno, a little bit of quechua to try.

Rimaykullayki – Hello (general greeting)
¿Allillanchu? – How are you?

Aymara Language

There are less than half a million Aymara-speakers in Peru (about 1.7 percent of the population), but it remains the nation’s third most spoken language. The number of speakers of this language has dwindled over the centuries, having struggled against both Quechua and then Spanish.

In modern Peru, Aymara-speakers live almost entirely in the extreme south along the border with Bolivia and around Lake Titicaca (the Uros people of the floating islands speak Aymara). Aymara is more widely spoken in Bolivia, which has about 2 million Aymara speakers, a little bit of Quechua to try.

Kamisaki – Hello
Kamisasktasa? – How are you?
Jallalla! – Cheer, humor, high spirits, kind regards

Other indigenous languages in Peru

Peru’s linguistic complexity reaches its peak as you head east of the Andes and into the jungle. The Peruvian Amazon Basin is home to at least 13 ethnolinguistic groups, each containing further subdivisions of native languages.

The jungle department of Loreto, the largest of Peru’s administrative regions, contains the greatest diversity of native languages.

In total, the remaining indigenous languages of Peru—such as Aguaruna, Ashaninka, and Shipibo—are spoken by less than 1 percent of the Peruvian population. Of the Peruvians that do speak an indigenous language, including Quechua and Aymara, the majority are bilingual and also speak Spanish.

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FAQs About the Languages of Peru

What are the official languages of Peru?

Peru officially recognizes Spanish, Quechua, Aymara, and other native tongues under Article 48 of the Political Constitution. Spanish dominates urban areas and government institutions, while Quechua and Aymara are predominant in the highlands and southern regions near Lake Titicaca (3,812 m / 12,507 ft). Other indigenous languages are protected in their respective regions.

How widely is Spanish spoken in Peru?

About 84% of Peruvians speak Spanish (Castellano). It is the primary language for government, media, and education. Spanish varies slightly by region—coastal, highland, and jungle areas have distinct accents and local expressions. Urban youth often use evolving slang, so travelers may notice interesting differences when visiting Lima, Cusco, or Iquitos.

Where is Quechua spoken in Peru?

Quechua is the most widely spoken indigenous language in Peru, used by around 13% of the population. It is mainly spoken in the central and southern Andes at altitudes above 2,500 m (8,202 ft), including regions such as Cusco, Puno, Ayacucho, and Apurímac. Quechua was the official language of the Inca Empire and remains a cultural cornerstone of the Andes.

How many Quechua dialects exist?

Quechua is not a single uniform language but a family of dialects. Some regional variations are so distinct that speakers from different areas—like Northern Peru versus Cusco—may have difficulty understanding each other. Key phrases like “Rimaykullayki” (Hello) or “¿Allillanchu?” (How are you?) are widely recognized in most regions.

Where is Aymara spoken in Peru?

Aymara is spoken by about 1.7% of Peru’s population, mainly in the extreme south near Lake Titicaca (3,812 m / 12,507 ft) along the Bolivian border. The Uros people of the floating islands speak Aymara, preserving the language alongside Spanish and Quechua. Greetings include “Kamisaki” (Hello) and “Jallalla!” (Cheer or high spirits).

What about other indigenous languages in Peru?

The Peru rainforest Basin is home to at least 13 ethnolinguistic groups, including Aguaruna, Ashaninka, and Shipibo, spoken by less than 1% of the population. Most indigenous speakers are bilingual in Spanish. The department of Loreto, the largest in Peru (368,852 km² / 142,387 sq mi), hosts the highest linguistic diversity in the country.

Is it useful to learn indigenous languages when traveling to Peru?

Yes. Learning basic Quechua or Aymara phrases can enhance your travel experience, show respect for local communities, and help you connect with people in highland regions above 2,500 m (8,202 ft) or in Amazonian villages. Simple greetings like “Rimaykullayki” or “Kamisaki” are always appreciated.

Which regions of Peru are the most linguistically diverse?

The Andes and the Amazon Basin show the highest linguistic diversity. Highland regions like Cusco, Puno, and Ayacucho have strong Quechua and Aymara-speaking populations, while Loreto in the Amazon hosts a multitude of smaller indigenous languages. Coastal regions like Lima are predominantly Spanish-speaking.

How can travelers experience Peru’s linguistic and cultural richness?

Travelers can engage with Quechua or Aymara speakers in the Andes, visit indigenous communities in the Amazon, and attend cultural events that showcase traditional music, language, and customs. Combining visits to Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, and the Amazon rainforest offers a complete cultural and linguistic experience.

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