Traveling to the imperial region of Cusco is much more than exploring legendary routes; it is immersing yourself in the culture and learning from the descendants of the Incas. At Peru Jungle Trips, we know that the true essence of the Andes lies in its people, who pass on their knowledge through Quechua (Runasimi). To help you learn from the descendants of the Incas, we teach you the most important Quechua phrases that will transform your travel experience.
Immerse Yourself in the Culture with These Quechua Phrases
The Quechua language is joyful, expressive, affectionate, and deeply connected to Mother Earth (Pachamama) and the community. As a result, it is a language that has been passed down from generation to generation over the years, being carefully preserved and highly valued within the community. That is why, when you travel to Peru, hike through the mountains, and visit small villages, communicating in Quechua shows deep respect for the local culture. You instantly break down cultural barriers, and people welcome you with great warmth!
General Quechua Phrases
- Good morning! -> Allin P’unchay
- My name is ______ -> Noqaq Sutiymi _______
- I am from ____ -> Noqa Kani _____
- I really enjoy traveling to Cusco -> Anchata munani puriyta Qosqoman.
- How can I get to this place? -> Imaynatataq chayayman kayman?
- Excuse me, do you know where _____ is? -> Tapuyukusayki, Maypin tarikun _____?
- Which places should I visit? -> Maykunatataq riqsiq Riyman?
- How much does this cost? -> Hayk’ataq Kayri?
- Can you tell me more about this? -> Willaykuhuankimanchu aswanta kaymanta?
- Your little alpaca is so beautiful -> Munaychallana paqochayki
This phrase is very useful when you want to take a photo with a little alpaca. - Thank you, I enjoyed the food -> Uspalay, sumaqllana mikhunayki kaska.
- What places can I visit in Cusco? -> Maykunatataq ritsiq riyman Qosqopi?
Greetings in Quechua
- Good afternoon -> Allin sukha
- Good evening / Good night -> Allin tuta
- Have a pleasant sunset -> Allin Ch’isi
- The same to you -> Hinallataq qanpaqpas
Farewells in Quechua
- See you tomorrow > Paqarinkama
- See you this afternoon -> Sukhakama
- See you tonight -> Tutakama
- See you the day after tomorrow -> Minchhakama
- Until I return -> Kutimunaykama
- Until we meet again -> Tupananchiskama
Expressions to Show Courtesy and Gratitude in Quechua
- I am grateful -> Sumaqllaña
- I am very happy -> Anchata kusikuni
- Thank you -> Añay
- Thank you -> Añaychayki
- Thank you very much -> Anchata añaychakuyki
- Please -> Ama hina kaychu
- Sorry or excuse me -> Pampachaykuway
Common Expressions for Asking About a Location
- Where? -> May
- Where from? -> Maymanta?
- Where are you from? – Maymanta kanki
- From where? -> Maymantaraq
- Where are you coming from? -> Maymantaraq hamushanki?
- Just now? -> Chayraqchu
- Are you just arriving? -> Chayraqchu hamushanki
Numbers in Quechua:
- One -> Huk
- Two -> Iskay
- Three -> Kinsa
- Four -> Tawa
- Five -> Pisqa, Phisqa
- Six -> Soqta
- Seven -> Qanchis
- Eight -> Pusaq
- Nine -> Isqon
- Ten -> Chunka
- Twenty -> Iskay chunka
- One Hundred -> Pachaq
- Two Hundred -> Iskay pachaq
- One Thousand -> Waranqa
- Two Thousand -> Iskay waranqa
Family in Quechua
- Mother -> Mantay / mama
- Father -> Tayta
- Son -> Churi
- Daughter -> Ususi
- Baby -> Wawa
- Sister (a woman’s sister) -> Ñaña
- Sister (a man’s sister) -> Pana
- Brother (a woman’s brother) -> Tura
- Brother (a man’s brother) -> Wayqe/ Wawqi
- Husband -> Qosa
- Wife -> Yana
- Grandfather -> Awichu / Apucha / Hatun Tayta
- Grandmother -> Awicha / Hatucha / Hatun mama
Simple Conversations in Quechua
Now that you are an expert traveler in Quechua words and phrases, it’s time to learn how to have short conversations!
When you want to ask about food
- What is there to eat? -> Ima mihunacha kashan?
- What do you have to drink? -> Ch’akiypaq imachan kashan?
When you want to ask about a location
- Where am I? -> Maypin kashani?
- How do I get to the Plaza de Armas? -> Imaynatan chayayman Plaza de Armasman?
It is important to note that some place names do not have a translation in Quechua.
For many generations, especially during the Spanish colonial period, the Quechua language faced significant discrimination. Today, this situation has not changed completely; however, in rural communities and small villages, Quechua continues to be spoken with pride.
As a result, learning Quechua before traveling to Cusco also:
- Promotes responsible tourism by helping preserve the language of the Incas.
- Ideal for travelers who love hiking routes such as Lares Trek, Salkantay Trek, Inca Trail, or Huchuy Qosqo Trek.
Language and Culture: Use Quechua Phrases During Your Trip
Cusco is one of the best destinations in Peru and South America for mountain hiking. Besides Machu Picchu, you will find dozens of trekking routes leading to historic sites such as Choquequirao and colorful mountains like Pallay Punchu. Here are some of the best routes that combine hiking, adventure, and culture.
- Lares Trek to Machu Picchu: From the very first day, you’ll hike through the mountains of Lares (Calca), visit villages along the route, and learn about local weaving traditions from Quechua-speaking residents. It’s the perfect opportunity to use your Quechua phrases!
- Inca Trail to Machu Picchu: Without a doubt, the Inca Trail allows you to visit iconic places such as Llaqtapata, Warmiwañusqa Pass, Sayacmarca, Wiñay Wayna, and enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). You’ll also discover Inca traditions by talking with the porters who carry equipment along the trail and with the chefs.
- Waqrapukara: This impressive fortress is surrounded by the Apurímac Canyon. Along the way, you’ll pass through small villages where residents speak only Quechua and will gladly show you the right path.
- T’aqrachullo: The impressive T’aqrachullo temple is located in Espinar. Although most residents speak both Spanish and Quechua, if you want to discover the true secrets of T’aqrachullo, you should talk with the area’s elders.
Immerse yourself in Quechua culture and discover Cusco like a local with Peru Jungle Trips. Book your trip with us.
