When I first arrived in Cusco, Peru, I was unaware that so many people spoke a second language: Quechua. I assumed Spanish would be the only language I’d hear, but I quickly learned I was wrong. Because Cusco was once the capital of the Inca Empire, many people, preserving their heritage, proudly speak Quechua today, despite Spanish colonialization and attempts at forced assimilation. Many Cusco residents grow up bilingual, speaking Spanish and Quechua, and in the rural communities it’s still common to hear mainly, or even only Quechua. While in Cusco, I had the opportunity to learn a little Quechua myself. I didn’t learn much, but the few phrases I did learn were enough to show genuine interest and help me connect with people in a way I didn’t expect.

A lot of travelers, including myself, show up thinking Spanish will be all we need, and that’s true in the city center; however, once you leave the main city, Spanish isn’t always the language people use. Suddenly, the little Spanish you touched up on through Duolingo becomes pretty useless, and the language barrier reappears. Anytime I tried speaking even a few words of Quechua, people lit up. They smiled and appreciated the effort. It’s rare for foreigners to try learning their language, and they noticed when someone does. I actually ended up loving Quechua; not just because it sounded so beautiful, but also because its pronunciation worked for me. I can’t roll my R’s, and Quechua doesn’t have rolled R’s, making it feel easier to use more words.

Learning just a little Quechua completely changed how I experienced Cusco and the surrounding communities. It made me realize that language isn’t just about communication; it’s a way of showing respect, curiosity, and care. Even imperfect Quechua opened doors, sparked conversations, and made people feel seen. It’s something I’ll never forget, and a language I hope more travelers take the time to appreciate.

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Learn more about this blogger’s study abroad program: Engineering in Peru: Global Service and Communities