Travelling to Peru? Begin with buenos días (good morning), gracias (thank you), por favor (please), disculpe (excuse me), ¿dónde queda…? (where is…?) and ¿cuánto cuesta? (how much does it cost?). Recognise boleto (ticket), terminal terrestre (bus terminal), baño (restroom), entrada (entrance) and salida (exit). These phrases help in Lima, Cusco, Arequipa, Puno, Iquitos and smaller towns.
Spanish is the official language and is widely used throughout Peru. The country is also home to many Indigenous languages, including Quechua and Aymara, with local languages and varieties differing by region. In the Andes and Amazon, visitors may encounter communities whose first language is not Spanish. English may be available in hotels and organised tourism, but should not be assumed in every everyday interaction. A few respectful Spanish phrases and a written destination address are practical essentials.
Quick read: Learn gracias, por favor and disculpe. Keep your hotel and tour details offline, use authorised taxis, confirm the exact bus terminal and ticket, and plan carefully for altitude when travelling to highland destinations. Peru uses the sol (S/). Official tourism advice recommends exchanging money through authorised businesses rather than on the street.
20 useful Spanish phrases for Peru
| Spanish | Meaning | Travel use |
|---|---|---|
| Buenos días | Good morning | Morning greeting |
| Buenas tardes | Good afternoon | Afternoon greeting |
| Buenas noches | Good evening / good night | Evening greeting |
| Hola | Hello | General greeting |
| Gracias | Thank you | Thanks |
| Muchas gracias | Thank you very much | Emphatic thanks |
| Por favor | Please | Polite request |
| Disculpe | Excuse me | Approach politely |
| Permiso | Excuse me / may I pass? | Move through a crowd |
| ¿Habla inglés? | Do you speak English? | Ask politely |
| No entiendo | I don’t understand | Clarify |
| ¿Puede repetir, por favor? | Could you repeat, please? | Ask again |
| ¿Dónde queda…? | Where is…? | Ask a location |
| ¿Cuánto cuesta? | How much does it cost? | Ask a price |
| Quisiera… | I would like… | Order or request |
| La cuenta, por favor | The bill, please | Restaurant |
| Baño | Restroom | Find facilities |
| Boleto / pasaje | Ticket / fare | Transport; local usage varies |
| Terminal terrestre | Bus terminal | Intercity travel |
| Ayuda | Help | Request assistance |
Spanish across Peru: regional language awareness
Spanish is useful in most major travel settings, but Peru is multilingual. Quechua is spoken in many Andean regions in several varieties, and Aymara is important in parts of the southern Andes. Other Indigenous languages are used in Amazonian communities. Do not assume a person speaks Quechua or Aymara because of their appearance or location; listen, ask respectfully if necessary, and follow the language the person prefers.
A visitor can be courteous without trying to imitate a language they do not understand. Use a clear Spanish greeting, show the written place name and ask the person to repeat or write an important detail. This approach is more dependable than relying on a guessed translation for a ticket, medical need or route.
Buses, terminals and local transport
For intercity buses, learn terminal terrestre (bus terminal), boleto or pasaje (ticket), embarque (boarding), salida (departure / exit) and equipaje (luggage). Large cities can have several terminals, and bus companies may operate from different locations. Check the operator, terminal, departure time, destination and luggage conditions shown on your booking.
In cities, local transport systems vary. In Lima, confirm the route and stop for the service you intend to use. For taxis, Peru’s official visitor advice recommends avoiding unofficial or unmarked taxis, particularly at night. Use an authorised taxi arrangement or a trusted booking service, check the vehicle details and show the complete destination address.
- Confirm the bus terminal and operator, not just the city name.
- Match the ticket to the passenger, date, destination and departure time.
- Check whether checked luggage is included and how it is tagged.
- Use authorised taxis or trusted booking services.
- Keep your accommodation address and contact number offline.
Cusco and the Andes: altitude words and sensible planning
Useful words include altura (altitude / height), montaña (mountain), camino (path / road), sendero (trail), cerrado (closed) and clima (climate / weather). Recognising these words helps you understand signs and conversations, but it does not tell you whether a route is suitable for your health or fitness.
Cusco and other high-altitude destinations require planning. Allow time to acclimatise, avoid strenuous activity immediately after arrival and seek medical advice if you have health concerns. Follow the guidance of qualified local operators and park authorities. Conditions on mountain routes can change quickly; check weather, access and trail notices before departure.
Markets, food and asking the price
Use ¿cuánto cuesta? to ask how much something costs. Confirm the quantity and unit: a price may be per item, portion, weight or service. Peru’s official currency is the sol (S/). Official tourism information advises changing money through authorised exchange houses, hotels or banks rather than street exchangers.
Peruvian dishes vary widely by region. Ask what a dish contains if its name is unfamiliar. If you have a serious allergy, prepare a carefully checked Spanish statement naming the exact ingredient and any cross-contact risk. Ask the restaurant to confirm with the kitchen; a phrase such as ‘sin carne’ (without meat) is not a complete allergy explanation.
A five-day Peruvian Spanish routine
- Day 1: practise buenos días, gracias, por favor and disculpe.
- Day 2: save your hotel address and practise ¿dónde queda…?
- Day 3: check one real intercity journey and identify its terminal and operator.
- Day 4: practise ¿cuánto cuesta? and confirm the amount in soles.
- Day 5: check altitude, weather and official access information for your planned highland or jungle activity.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need Spanish to travel in Peru?
Not always. English is available in many organised tourism services, but Spanish is useful for transport, markets and everyday exchanges.
Are Quechua and Aymara spoken in Peru?
Yes. Quechua is spoken in many Andean regions in different varieties, and Aymara is important in parts of the southern Andes. Many other Indigenous languages are also spoken.
What currency does Peru use?
The sol, written S/. Confirm the total and exchange arrangements before paying.
What does terminal terrestre mean?
It means bus terminal or long-distance coach station. Confirm the exact terminal shown on the ticket.
Continue exploring Peru
Read things to do when visiting Peru, Arequipa travel vocabulary, and the specialist Peru reed-boat vocabulary and mate burilado carving vocabulary guides.
Official references
- Peru Travel: languages — Spanish, Quechua, Aymara and other native languages.
- Peru Travel: tourist services — currency, money exchange and visitor questions.
- Peru Travel: travel tips — authorised taxis, altitude and practical preparation.
- Singapore MFA travel guidance — traveller preparation.
Language note: Spanish expressions and Indigenous language use vary by region. Check current entry, transport, health, altitude and site-access information with official authorities before travel. Editorial review: 4 November 2026.