What Countries in South America Speak Spanish?

Last Updated on September 12, 2022 by James Bustamante

Most of the travelers coming to Peru will usually also visit other countries during their time in South America. One of the most common questions we get is “What counties in South America Speak Spanish?”

It seems that for the most part, travelers will have a pretty good idea of how to communicate in the Spanish language and they just want to make sure they will be able to have an understandable conversation with another person. 

What Countries in South America Speak Spanish?

There are 13 countries in South America to which a total of 9 use Spanish as their official language. The countries whose primary language is Spanish in the continent are Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela. 

Spanish Speaking Countries in South America:

• Peru
• Colombia
• Venezuela
• Bolivia
• Argentina
• Paraguay
• Uruguay 
• Ecuador
• Chile

Below we have detailed information on each of the countries that use Spanish as their primary language in South America. 

Peru

Peru is one of the most visited countries in South America with a population of 32.51 million people. It boasts three distinct regions for incoming travelers to explore. Their culinary expertise is also something for Peruvians to be proud of as well as their Inca ancestry.

Resource: https://www.inei.gob.pe/media/MenuRecursivo/publicaciones_digitales/Est/Lib1743/Libro.pdf

Peruvian Spanish

Peru is one of the best places to practice and learn Spanish around all of South America. For the most part, there is a very small variety of regional accents. Slang is not as broadly used as in other countries in South America. This means that you can chat with the locals at a much easier pace. So out of the many countries that speak spanish in South America, Peru might be your first stop to practice.

Native Languages in Peru

Peru has various native languages and dialects that are spread throughout the coast, highlands, and Amazon rainforest region. Most will be some sort of dialect derived from Quechua, the language of the Inca, or Aymara. 

Notable Attractions in Peru

One of its most notable attractions in Peru is the Machu Picchu Hike. Peru receives thousands of yearly visitors attempting to reach the Inca citadel on either a hike or through a more conventional tour package route. Another great Peru destination would be going to Nazca for a flyover tour of the Nazca lines. Peru also has quite the repertoire when it comes to its gastronomy, Peru has actually won the world travel award for best culinary destination several years in a row. 

Colombia

Colombia is definitely on most people’s list when coming to South America. This country sets itself apart as the only one on the continent with access to both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.  Colombia has a population of 50.34 million people with spanish being spoken as the official language.

Colombian Spanish

The Spanish spoken in this South American country has been usually thought of as the clearest and easiest to understand of all the Spanish-speaking countries in Latin America. There is some merit to this though. Colombian Spanish is usually spoken at a slower pace than in other countries, this is particularly true in places like Bogota. 

Native  Languages in Colombia

Colombian has quite a few secondary languages. Most of them stem from native dialects from the people that came to land from the Caribbean, these include Arawako and Chibcha. 

Notable Attractions in Colombia

There are many reasons to want to visit Colombia. Among them are the spectacularly interesting archaeological finds in the country. Colombia also has locations that are famous for both its colonial buildings like Cartagena and their beaches like San Andres. 

Venezuela

Venezuela is a country whose natural beauty can only be topped by the beauty of its people. It is the birthplace of the “Tequeno” and holds heavy traditions that stem from the Caribbean. Political turmoil makes it a very difficult place to visit, we hope that this changes for the better sooner rather than later. 

Venezuelan Spanish

Venezuelan Spanish can be described to be similar to the language spoken in the Caribbean coastlines of Colombia. It is not generally quite as clear though, Venezuelans tend to speak faster and with a stronger accent than their Colombian neighbors. 

Native Languages in Venezuela

There are several languages that stem from the Caribbean that can be found in Venezuela. Among them the Guajira and the Wayuu as the most notable. 

Notable Attractions in Venezuela

From the snow-covered Andean peaks to the sunny coast of the Caribbean, Venezuela holds great pride for its many distinct features. Grasslands, islands, and waterfalls are among the many unique gems that this country has to offer. Sadly, travel at the present moment is not advised due to grave economic problems.

Bolivia

Bolivia is a country found high in the South American highlands, it also has one of the largest percentages of indigenous groups in the continent. This landlocked nation prides itself on its natural treasures and community-based tourism. 

Bolivian Spanish

In Bolivia over 88 % of the population speak Spanish as their primary language despite having over 30 different native dialects.  Bolivian Spanish is very clear but can have some intonations that might make it hard for tourists to understand and ultimately practice with. The interesting part is that English is not widely spoken in many parts of this country so as far as immersion goes Bolivia is a great place to practice your Spanish.

Native Languages in Bolivia

Having over 30 indigenous groups makes it easy to imagine that there are many native languages spoken in the country. Among these languages, you will find Quechua, Aymara, and Chipaya are the most common.

Notable Attractions in Bolivia 

Bolivia is famous for the Uyuni Salt flats, the variety of its indigenous population, and Lake Titicaca which it shares with Peru. 

Argentina

The country of Argentina is located towards the south of the continent. It has a population of 44.94 million people whose primary language is Spanish. The land of Tango has had recent political instability as well as economic woes making it more difficult to tour than a few years ago. 

Argentinian Spanish

The Spanish you will hear in this South American country will definitely sound different from other versions spoken throughout the continent. The rhythm of Argentinian Spanish can be compared to Italian, this is due to the high immigration rate the country received throughout the years. It might not be the easiest place to practice your Spanish but there are several courses you can take in Buenos Aires where you can formally learn this particular pronunciation.

Native Languages in Argentina

While English is the most widely spoken second language in Argentina, it also has some native languages that are spoken in smaller proportions. These would include the Mapuche and Quechua although just like in other South American countries, you can find many more being spoken in tiny communities.

Notable Attractions in Argentina

Some of the most notable places to visit during your Spanish-speaking journey in Argentina would be Mendoza for amazing wine, Buenos Aires for the cultural tours, and the Andes to visit the highest peak of the mountain range, Mount Aconcagua (22,838 feet or 6,961 meters). While in Buenos Aires you might as well take tango lessons and try some of their version of the Fugazzeta as well as their extraordinary empanadas. 

Chile

Chile is a country that runs down the South American continent, it is a mere 108 miles (175 km) wide if we are going from east to west. You can say this country lies nestled between the Andes mountain range and the plentiful pacific ocean. The country is famous as a mining hub as well as its delicious wines. 

Chilean Spanish

Chile is one of the more organized and safe countries you will find in South America. The Spanish spoken in Chile is very fast with increased and decreased changes in intonation that are notable during a conversation. It is clear Spanish however the change in tones might make it difficult to practice your Spanish speaking skills.

Native Languages in Chile

While Chile uses Spanish as its primary language, there are many native tongues that can be found throughout the country. These include Mapuche, Quechua, Aymara and Rapa Nui.

Notable Attractions in Chile

Some of the more notable places to visit in Chile (mainland) are Santiago and Valparaiso. Off the mainland, Chile has the mysterious Easter Island.

Ecuador

Ecuador has incredible biodiversity due to the Amazon rainforest. It is located on the western side of South America and has a population of 17.37 million people. The country is also the access point to visit the enigmatic Galapagos Islands. 

According to InterNations, Ecuador has been voted the “best country for ex-pats” for two consecutive years due to the high quality of life and the decent cost of living it provides. Moreover, Ecuador offers Spanish-learners affordable, fun, and professional education that promotes language learning in a lively environment.

Ecuadorian Spanish

Ecuadorian Spanish is very clear and easy to understand. There will sometimes be the case where the coastal version of Ecuadorian Spanish will change the way the letter “J” sounds. There is also quite a bit of slang used but it really doesn’t change the clarity of their Spanish. 

Native Languages in Ecuador

There are around 14 languages spoken in Ecuador.  In terms of official languages, this South American country has the Kichwa and Shuar as the most popular native tongues spoken. Both of these languages are based out of the Amazon Rainforest and the Kichwa stems from Quechua. 

Notable Attractions in Ecuador

Ecuador has access to the Amazon rainforest as well as the Galapagos Islands where Charles Darwin came up with his theory of evolution. 

Paraguay

This South American country Paraguay is probably the least visited country by tourists in the continent of South America. However, the people are inviting and the country has a lot to offer for Spanish students such as the Atlantic forest. 

Paraguayan Spanish

Paraguayan Spanish might be a bit difficult to comprehend for anyone trying to learn the language. The national language of Paraguay is the Guarani but the official tongue is Spanish. This results in a combination of the two being spoken in many parts of the country. 

Native Languages in Paraguay

The national language of Paraguay is the Guarani and it comes from the forest regions that are shared with Argentina and Brazil. 

Notable Attractions in Paraguay

While Paraguay is not one of the most frequented countries by tourists, it is a biologist’s dream destination as well as environmentalists.  Visit the Atlantic forest as well as the Iguazu Falls. 

Uruguay

Uruguay has a tiny population of 3.462 million people, which’s tiny in comparison to the other countries in South America that speak Spanish. This by no means has a negative impact in Uruguay, it has one of the most stable economies making it very prosperous. The beaches are known to be quite good as well. 

Uruguayan Spanish

Uruguayan Spanish is very similar to the one spoken in Argentina, this is due to the proximity of the two. There are a few differences though, Uruguay has a language called Portunol which combines Portuguese and Spanish. Some words and phrases are spoken among the Spanish speakers in the country. It might be a little difficult to practice the Spanish that you learned in the USA for example and try to understand the Uruguayan version. 

Native Languages in Uruguay

Uruguay has an unofficial language like the Portunol Riverense which is spoken near the border with Brazil. 

Notable Attractions in Uruguay

The capital city of Montevideo in Uruguay is the most frequented destination in this South American country. It boasts one of the best beaches in the continent as well, Punta del Este. Enjoy practicing your Spanish in one of the most relaxed destinations in South America but watch the bill, it is also the most expensive city on the continent. 

Which Countries in South America Do Not Speak Spanish?

The countries in the South American continent who either don’t speak Spanish or at least don’t have it as their official language are Brazil, Surinam, Guyana and, French Guiana.

In Brazil the official language is Portuguese, in Surinam, the official language is Dutch, in Guyana, they speak English officially and French Guiana has French as their official spoken tongue. 

Conclusion

Many countries in South America have Spanish as their official language however you will find several more native tongues that are spoken throughout the region. For the most part, travelers will easily be able to communicate and practice their foreign learned Spanish and have plenty of fun traveling while they do it. So remember, what countries in South America speak spanish for your next travel plans.

For information about traveling to Peru or any other location in South American contact our travel advisors today for details and personalized itineraries. 

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