On your trip to Machu Picchu in Cusco, Peru, you will notice that the country is dominated by the Spanish language. However, you should keep in mind that Peru is a multilingual country and home to a multitude of indigenous languages. The complexity of languages can be seen in Article 48 of the Peruvian Constitution, which officially recognizes and permits several languages within the nation. Do you already have your Machu Picchu tickets? Then you should know that most of the names you will hear and read on your visit to Machu Picchu are in Quechua; this was the official language of the Inca Empire. You should also know that Machu Picchu is a Quechua word meaning “old mountain,” and that the mountain at its side is called Huayna Picchu, meaning “young mountain.” Discover more details about the languages you will encounter in Peru and further enrich your travel experience.

• What are the official languages in Peru?
  • Spanish
  • Quechua
  • Aymara
• Other languages in Peru
• Tips and recommendations
• Frequently Asked Questions

Quechua, the language of the Inca, is still in use today

What are the official languages in Peru?

There are three official languages throughout Peru: Spanish, Quechua, and Aymara. However, more than 100 indigenous languages are spoken in Cusco, and although they are not official languages, they are officially recognized.

• Spanish

  Spanish is by far the most widely spoken language in Peru ; approximately 84% of people speak Spanish (also known as Castilian). It is also the language used by the Peruvian government, the educational system, and the media.

  Latin American Spanish varies in accent and pronunciation from one country to another. And like so many other characteristics of Peru, you’ll also find these variations in the country’s three geographic regions: the coast, the mountains, and the jungle. The difference is so marked that after just a few hours in Peru, you’ll be able to recognize who is from Lima, or who belongs to the jungle or the mountains, just by their way of speaking.

  Slang is another fundamental aspect of every culture. If you don’t understand something, it’s best to ask. Slang in Peru is constantly evolving and is common in Machu Picchu, Cusco, and all the country’s cities.

• Quechua

  Quechua is the most common language after Spanish in Peru and the most widely spoken native language. Around 13% of Peru’s population speaks Quechua, especially in the central and southern highlands. Quechua was the official language of the Inca Empire and existed long before the formation of the Inca civilization; although modern Quechua is far removed from the Quechua of the Incas. During the conquest, Quechua was attempted to be “extirpated,” along with its religion and other Inca customs. However, its use and promotion helped spread the language. Today, more than 11 million people from different countries in South America speak this language, and it reflects the identity of a culture that endures to this day.

  Quechua has many variations and subdivisions, to the point that many Quechua speakers find it difficult to engage in conversation with Quechua speakers from regions other than their own; for example, a Quechua speaker from the north of the country may have difficulty communicating with a Quechua speaker from Cusco or other places in southern Peru.

• Aymara

  Fewer than 500,000 people speak Aymara in Peru , or about 1.7% of the population; however, it remains the third most widely spoken language in Peru. Currently, Aymara speakers can only be found in southeastern Peru, on the border with Bolivia, and around Lake Titicaca, such as the Uros Islands in Peru. A larger number of Aymara speakers can be found in Bolivia, where they number around 2 million.

Other languages in Peru

Peru’s linguistic complexity reaches its peak between the Andes mountain range and the Amazon rainforest. The Peruvian side of the Amazon River basin is home to at least 13 ethnolinguistic groups, divided into more than 49 distinct native languages. The Peruvian rainforest, specifically the department of Loreto, has the greatest diversity of native languages.

The rest of the languages spoken in Peru as a whole—such as Aguaruna, Asháninka, Shipibo, and so on—are spoken by just over 100,000 people. Every experience in Peru will surprise you and allow you to learn much more about its diverse culture. That’s why you should always be open to diversity.

Learn a language and discover the reasons why some things have unique names, because through culture, forms and customs transcend. A particular case in Quechua is that there is no “see you later” or “goodbye” as such, but only a “until we meet again,” understanding that goodbyes are not eternal. Thus, each language tells us stories where we can learn to value its identity and worldview more.

Tips and recommendations

If you’re traveling to Peru and want to learn more about the languages spoken here, we’ll give you a series of tips and recommendations that will help you have a much more immersive experience in its culture and traditions.

• Castilian is the most widely spoken language in Peru, representing almost 84% of the population.
• There are more than 40 languages grouped into linguistic families, many of which are in danger of extinction.
• There is a strong tendency toward asymmetric bilingualism, given that many indigenous speakers learn Spanish, but Spanish speakers do not learn indigenous languages.
• Of the 48 indigenous languages in Peru, 7 have fewer than 500 speakers. Languages such as Taushiro, Resígaro, and Omurano have fewer than 5 known speakers.
• Peru is one of the 10 countries with the greatest linguistic diversity in the world.
• Languages become symbols of cultural resistance, which is why it is very important to preserve and disseminate them.
• Each language is a unique way of seeing the world: what we call “rain” in Spanish could mean many different things to a Harakbut speaker depending on the type of rain, time of day, and context.
• Enjoy each of the landscapes of Peru and Cusco calmly, its geography will allow you to have an introspective and calm space.
• Remember that with Boletomachu Picchu, you can book many travel experiences in Cusco and throughout Peru. Ask our advisors about your options.

Frequently Asked Questions

• 1) What language is spoken in Machu Picchu?

  The most widely spoken language in Machu Picchu is Spanish, but many place names, mountain names, and archaeological sites come from Quechua.

• 2) What does Machu Picchu mean in Quechua?

  Machu Picchu means “old mountain,” from machu (old) and picchu (mountain or peak). Its name is a direct reflection of its geography and culture, where every natural element holds sacred meaning.

• 3) What does Huayna Picchu mean?

  Huayna Picchu, the mountain in the background of all the classic photographs of Machu Picchu, means “young mountain.”

• 4) Where is Quechua spoken the most in Peru?

  Quechua is predominant in the Andean region, especially in Cusco, Ayacucho, Puno, and Apurímac. In these areas, it’s common to hear it spoken in markets, communities, and local celebrations.

• 5) What other native languages are spoken in Peru?

  In addition to Quechua and Aymara, there are more than 40 indigenous languages in Peru, such as Asháninka, Shipibo-Konibo, Aguaruna, and Matsés.

• 6) What percentage of Peruvians speak Quechua or Aymara?

  Around 13% of the Peruvian population speaks Quechua, while about 1.7% speak Aymara. However, these numbers have declined in recent decades.

• 7) What is Aymara and where is it spoken?

  Aymara is an indigenous language spoken in the Altiplano region, primarily in Puno and areas near Lake Titicaca. It is also widely spoken in Bolivia.

• 8) Can I learn basic Quechua words during my trip?

  Yes, many places have Quechua names, and many references are made in that language. Learning greetings, thanks, and place names can be a meaningful way to connect with the local culture.

• 9) Are there any languages in danger of extinction in Peru?

  Peru has at least seven indigenous languages with fewer than 500 speakers, some with fewer than five people fluent in them. These languages represent an invaluable cultural heritage, and their preservation is a daily task.

• 10) What is the relationship between language and the Andean worldview?

  In Andean cultures, language is a tool for understanding the world. Each word conveys a particular way of feeling, thinking, and living.

Advice from people who have been there

Machu Picchu

By: Alexis S.

“Full Day Experience“

“I lived the experience of a full day in Machu Picchu and entered the route to the Huayna Picchu mountain, the views are more impressive than any photograph, I am grateful that despite having little time I could see this wonder in all its splendor.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, July 3, 2025