75 Basic Spanish Phrases for Your Next Trip to Peru 🇵🇪

¡Bienvenidos a Perú, amigos! 🌄 (Welcome to Peru, friends!) Peru is a country that will captivate your senses and steal your heart with its rich history, stunning landscapes, and warm, welcoming people. 🤗 But to truly immerse yourself in the local culture, you'll need to speak a bit of the lingo. Peruvian Spanish is a unique blend of traditional Spanish and Quechua, the ancient language of the Inca Empire. 🗿 So, get ready to impress the locals with your language skills and make the most of your Peruvian adventure! 🎉

Greetings and Pleasantries 👋

1. Hola - Hello (OH-lah)
2. Buenos días - Good morning (BWEH-nohs DEE-ahs)
3. Buenas tardes - Good afternoon (BWEH-nahs TAHR-dehs)
4. Buenas noches - Good evening/night (BWEH-nahs NOH-chehs)
5. ¿Cómo estás? - How are you? (KOH-moh ehs-TAHS?)
6. Bien, gracias. ¿Y tú? - Good, thank you. And you? (bee-EHN, GRAH-see-ahs. ee TOO?)
7. Mucho gusto - Nice to meet you (MOO-choh GOOS-toh)
8. Hasta luego - See you later (AHS-tah LWEH-goh)
9. Chau - Bye (informal) (CHOW)
10. Adiós - Goodbye (ah-dee-OHS)

Greeting locals with a warm smile and a friendly "hola" is the perfect way to start your Peruvian adventure. 😄 Don't be surprised if you're met with a kiss on the cheek, even from strangers - it's a common greeting in Peru! 💋

Dining and Food 🍽️

11. ¿Qué me recomiendas? - What do you recommend? (keh meh reh-koh-mee-EHN-dahs?)
12. ¿Cuál es la especialidad de la casa? - What's the house specialty? (kwahl ehs lah ehs-peh-see-ah-lee-DAHD deh lah KAH-sah?)
13. Quisiera ordenar... - I would like to order... (kee-see-EH-rah ohr-deh-NAHR...)
14. Un ceviche, por favor - A ceviche, please (oon seh-VEE-cheh, pohr fah-VOHR)
15. Una causa limeña, por favor - A causa limeña, please (OO-nah KOW-sah lee-MEH-nyah, pohr fah-VOHR)
16. Un lomo saltado, por favor - A lomo saltado, please (oon LOH-moh sahl-TAH-doh, pohr fah-VOHR)
17. Un ají de gallina, por favor - An ají de gallina, please (oon ah-HEE deh gah-YEE-nah, pohr fah-VOHR)
18. ¿Es picante? - Is it spicy? (ehs pee-KAHN-teh?)
19. La cuenta, por favor - The check, please (lah KWEHN-tah, pohr fah-VOHR)
20. Estuvo delicioso - It was delicious (ehs-TOO-voh deh-lee-see-OH-soh)

Peruvian cuisine is a delightful fusion of indigenous and Spanish flavors. 🌶️ Don't miss out on trying ceviche, the national dish made with fresh raw fish marinated in citrus juices. 🐟 And if you're feeling adventurous, give cuy (guinea pig) a try - it's a traditional Andean delicacy! 🐹

Directions and Transportation 🚶‍♂️

21. ¿Dónde está...? - Where is...? (DOHN-deh ehs-TAH...?)
22. ... la Plaza de Armas - ... the Main Square (lah PLAH-sah deh AHR-mahs)
23. ... el Museo Larco - ... the Larco Museum (ehl moo-SEH-oh LAHR-koh)
24. ... el mercado - ... the market (ehl mehr-KAH-doh)
25. ... el baño - ... the bathroom (ehl BAH-nyoh)
26. A la derecha - To the right (ah lah deh-REH-chah)
27. A la izquierda - To the left (ah lah ees-kee-EHR-dah)
28. Derecho - Straight ahead (deh-REH-choh)
29. ¿A qué hora sale el bus? - What time does the bus leave? (ah keh OH-rah SAH-leh ehl boos?)
30. Un boleto a [destino], por favor - A ticket to [destination], please (oon boh-LEH-toh ah [destino], pohr fah-VOHR)

Navigating the bustling streets of Lima or the winding roads of the Sacred Valley can be a challenge, but with these handy phrases, you'll be exploring like a pro in no time. 🗺️ Just remember to always carry small change for bus fares and to keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas. 👀

Shopping and Bargaining 💰

31. ¿Cuánto cuesta? - How much does it cost? (KWAHN-toh KWEHS-tah?)
32. ¿Tiene algo más barato? - Do you have anything cheaper? (tee-EH-neh AHL-goh mahs bah-RAH-toh?)
33. Eso es muy caro - That's very expensive (EH-soh ehs mwee KAH-roh)
34. ¿Puede bajar el precio? - Can you lower the price? (PWEH-deh bah-HAHR ehl PREH-see-oh?)
35. Estoy buscando un recuerdo - I'm looking for a souvenir (ehs-TOY boos-KAHN-doh oon reh-kwehr-DOH)
36. ¿Aceptan tarjetas de crédito? - Do you accept credit cards? (ah-SEHP-tahn tahr-HEH-tahs deh KREH-dee-toh?)
37. ¿Dónde puedo cambiar dinero? - Where can I exchange money? (DOHN-deh PWEH-doh kahm-BYAHR dee-NEH-roh?)
38. Quiero comprar... - I want to buy... (kee-EH-roh kohm-PRAHR...)
39. Me lo llevo - I'll take it (meh loh YEH-voh)
40. ¿Me puede envolver esto para regalo? - Can you gift wrap this for me? (meh PWEH-deh ehn-vohl-VEHR EHS-toh PAH-rah reh-GAH-loh?)

Shopping in Peru is an experience like no other, with colorful markets and skilled artisans offering everything from handwoven textiles to silver jewelry. 🛍️ Don't be afraid to haggle a bit - it's expected! But remember to always be respectful and keep a sense of humor. 😉

Emergencies and Health 🚨

41. ¡Socorro! - Help! (soh-KOH-rroh)
42. Necesito ayuda - I need help (neh-seh-SEE-toh ah-YOO-dah)
43. Llame a la policía - Call the police (YAH-meh ah lah poh-lee-SEE-ah)
44. Llame a una ambulancia - Call an ambulance (YAH-meh ah OO-nah ahm-boo-LAHN-see-ah)
45. ¿Dónde hay un hospital? - Where is a hospital? (DOHN-deh eye oon ohs-pee-TAHL?)
46. Me duele... - My ... hurts (meh DWEH-leh...)
47. ... la cabeza - ... head (lah kah-BEH-sah)
48. ... el estómago - ... stomach (ehl ehs-TOH-mah-goh)
49. ... el brazo - ... arm (ehl BRAH-soh)
50. ... la pierna - ... leg (lah pee-EHR-nah)

While Peru is generally a safe country, it's always good to be prepared for emergencies. 🏥 Make sure to have travel insurance and carry a copy of your passport with you at all times. If you do need medical assistance, don't worry - Peruvian healthcare is modern and accessible in most cities. 👩‍⚕️

Flirting and Romance 😍

51. Eres muy lindo/linda - You are very handsome/beautiful (informal) (EH-rehs mwee LEEN-doh/LEEN-dah)
52. ¿Quieres bailar conmigo? - Do you want to dance with me? (kee-EH-rehs bai-LAHR kohn-MEE-goh?)
53. ¿Te gustaría tomar un café? - Would you like to have a coffee? (teh goos-tah-REE-ah toh-MAHR oon kah-FEH?)
54. Tienes unos ojos hermosos - You have beautiful eyes (tee-EH-nehs OO-nohs OH-hohs ehr-MOH-sohs)
55. ¿Puedo invitarte a cenar? - Can I invite you to dinner? (PWEH-doh een-vee-TAHR-teh ah seh-NAHR?)
56. ¿Te gustaría ver el atardecer juntos? - Would you like to watch the sunset together? (teh goos-tah-REE-ah vehr ehl ah-tahr-deh-SEHR HOON-tohs?)
57. Me encanta tu sonrisa - I love your smile (meh ehn-KAHN-tah too soh-NREE-sah)
58. ¿Quieres ser mi novio/novia? - Do you want to be my boyfriend/girlfriend? (kee-EH-rehs sehr mee NOH-vee-oh/NOH-vee-ah?)
59. Te quiero - I love you (teh kee-EH-roh)
60. Dame un beso - Give me a kiss (DAH-meh oon BEH-soh)

Peruvians are passionate people, and romance is always in the air. 💕 If you find yourself falling for a local, these phrases will help you express your feelings. Just remember to be respectful and take things slow - Peruvian dating customs can be quite traditional. 💍

Customs and Culture 🎭

61. ¿Cuál es la costumbre aquí? - What's the custom here? (kwahl ehs lah kohs-TOOM-breh ah-KEE?)
62. ¿Puedo tomar una foto? - Can I take a photo? (PWEH-doh toh-MAHR OO-nah FOH-toh?)
63. ¿Cuándo es la fiesta? - When is the festival? (KWAHN-doh ehs lah fee-EHS-tah?)
64. ¿Qué significa este símbolo? - What does this symbol mean? (keh seeg-nee-FEE-kah EHS-teh SEEM-boh-loh?)
65. Me gustaría aprender más sobre la historia - I would like to learn more about the history (meh goos-tah-REE-ah ah-prehn-DEHR mahs SOH-breh lah ees-TOH-ree-ah)
66. ¿Cuál es la vestimenta tradicional? - What's the traditional clothing? (kwahl ehs lah vehs-tee-MEHN-tah trah-dee-see-oh-NAHL?)
67. ¿Cómo se celebra [festividad]? - How is [holiday] celebrated? (KOH-moh seh seh-LEH-brah [festividad]?)
68. ¿Puedo participar en la ceremonia? - Can I participate in the ceremony? (PWEH-doh pahr-tee-see-PAHR ehn lah seh-reh-MOH-nee-ah?)
69. ¿Cuál es el significado detrás de este ritual? - What's the meaning behind this ritual? (kwahl ehs ehl seeg-nee-fee-KAH-doh deh-TRAHS deh EHS-teh ree-TOO-ahl?)
70. ¿Hay algún protocolo que deba seguir? - Is there any protocol I should follow? (eye ahl-GOON proh-toh-KOH-loh keh DEH-bah seh-GEER?)

Peru is a country steeped in history and tradition, from the ancient Inca ruins of Machu Picchu to the colorful festivals that fill the streets. 🎉 Showing interest in local customs is a great way to connect with Peruvians and learn more about their fascinating culture. Just be sure to always ask permission before taking photos or participating in ceremonies. 📸

Things to Watch Out For ⚠️

71. ¿Es seguro caminar por aquí de noche? - Is it safe to walk here at night? (ehs seh-GOO-roh kah-mee-NAHR pohr ah-KEE deh NOH-cheh?)
72. ¿Dónde puedo guardar mis pertenencias? - Where can I store my belongings? (DOHN-deh PWEH-doh gwahr-DAHR mees pehr-teh-NEHN-see-ahs?)
73. ¿Hay zonas que deba evitar? - Are there areas I should avoid? (eye SOH-nahs keh DEH-bah eh-vee-TAHR?)
74. ¿Es potable el agua del grifo? - Is the tap water drinkable? (ehs poh-TAH-bleh ehl AH-gwah dehl GREE-foh?)
75. ¿Cómo puedo protegerme de la altura? - How can I protect myself from altitude sickness? (KOH-moh PWEH-doh proh-teh-HEHR-meh deh lah ahl-TOO-rah?)

While Peru is a relatively safe country, it's always a good idea to be cautious and aware of your surroundings, especially in larger cities like Lima. 🌆 Petty theft can be a problem in crowded areas, so keep a close eye on your belongings and avoid carrying large amounts of cash. 💸 It's also important to be mindful of altitude sickness, particularly if you plan on visiting high-altitude areas like Cusco or Lake Titicaca. 🏔️ Drink plenty of water, take it easy on your first few days, and consider taking altitude sickness medication if necessary.

Conclusion

With these 75 essential Spanish phrases, you're well on your way to having an unforgettable trip to Peru! 🇵🇪 Remember to embrace the local culture, be respectful of customs and traditions, and don't be afraid to put your new language skills to the test. Most importantly, have fun and enjoy every moment of your Peruvian adventure! 🎉

Before you go, here are a few bonus phrases to help you out in sticky situations:

Bonus Phrases 🎁

76. No entiendo - I don't understand (noh ehn-tee-EHN-doh)
77. ¿Puede hablar más despacio? - Can you speak more slowly? (PWEH-deh ah-BLAHR mahs dehs-PAH-see-oh?)
78. ¿Puede repetir, por favor? - Can you repeat, please? (PWEH-deh reh-peh-TEER, pohr fah-VOHR?)
79. No hablo mucho español - I don't speak much Spanish (noh AH-bloh MOO-choh ehs-pah-NYOHL)
80. ¿Habla inglés? - Do you speak English? (AH-blah een-GLEHS?)

And remember, if all else fails, a smile and a friendly attitude can go a long way! 😄

Final Thoughts 💭

Peru is a country that will capture your heart with its warmth, beauty, and diversity. From the bustling streets of Lima to the serene peaks of the Andes, there's something for everyone in this incredible destination. 🌄 By learning a bit of the local language and embracing the unique customs and traditions, you'll be able to fully immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Peruvian culture. 🎨

So pack your bags, brush up on your Spanish, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime! 🌎 ¡Buen viaje, amigos! (Have a good trip, friends!) 🙌

Remember to be open-minded, respectful, and curious as you explore this fascinating country. Don't be afraid to try new things, whether it's sampling exotic fruits at a local market 🍍 or dancing the night away to the infectious rhythms of salsa. 💃 Embrace the unexpected, and let Peru surprise and delight you at every turn.

As the Peruvians say, "El que no arriesga, no gana" - "He who doesn't take risks, doesn't win." 💪 So take a chance, step outside your comfort zone, and let Peru work its magic on you. Trust us, you won't regret it! 😉

¡Hasta pronto, amigos! (See you soon, friends!) 👋 May your journey to Peru be filled with laughter, adventure, and unforgettable memories. 🌈 And who knows? You might just find yourself falling in love with this enchanting country and its people, one Spanish phrase at a time. 💕