Here’s a curated list of free resources organized by type:
Translator
In Peru everyone was using Google Translate. There is an app you can download to your phone. It can take in text or speech, in either language, and translate to the other - so it works both ways. It also has a conversation feature where it will listen as you are each speaking, detect the language being spoken, and automatically translate to the written text of the other language - so you can both speak and read in your own language. There is also a “Practice” feature where you can practice having a conversation with an AI bot.
There are other translators out there, but everyone I met in Peru already had Google Translate on their phone, and knew how to use it very well.
Comprehensive Pronunciation Guides
123TeachMe — Spanish Alphabet & Pronunciation Covers all 27 letters with audio examples in multiple regional accents, plus diphthongs and triphthongs. Includes interactive games and activities.
SpanishDict — Pronunciation Course Structured lesson series covering vowels, diphthongs, consonants, syllable stress, and tricky pairs like B/V, C/S, G/J, and D/T. Free and well-organized for self-study.
The Spanish Academy — Complete Pronunciation Guide Covers the alphabet, vowels, consonants, and diphthongs with native Spanish audio throughout. Includes an IPA pronunciation chart for every letter.
LearnSpanish.org — Vowels & Consonants Covers vowel and consonant pronunciation with audio examples and step-by-step guides.
Alphabet-Focused Resources
Busuu — The Spanish Alphabet Includes free video lessons on Spanish pronunciation alongside a full alphabet guide, covering the history of the 27-letter alphabet and the sounds of each letter.
Let’s Speak Spanish — The Spanish Alphabet Part of a free beginner COMBI course, this lesson walks through the full alphabet with pronunciation guidance as part of a structured Level 1 curriculum.
Babbel — Spanish Alphabet Pronunciation Guide A clean, straightforward guide covering each letter with pronunciation rules and example words. Free to read without an account.
Video Resources (YouTube)
How to Pronounce Spanish Consonants — YouTube A beginner-focused video walking through Spanish consonant sounds with clear audio demonstrations.
Simplified Spanish — Pronunciation Guide Covers all vowel sounds (a, e, i, o, u), consonants that differ from English (c, g, h, j, ñ, qu, r, v, z), and double consonants (cc, ll, rr), with an accompanying video lesson.
Vowel-Specific Resources
SpanishPod101 — Spanish Pronunciation Guide Includes a Spanish Vowels and Diphthongs video so you can hear and practice each sound, alongside written explanations of consonants that differ significantly from English. Free with a basic account.
Spring Languages — Spanish Vowels Explains why Spanish vowels are easier than English — each of the five vowels has exactly one sound, pronounced the same way regardless of position in a word. Includes video lessons.
Printables & Worksheets
Spanish Mama — Alphabet Printables Free printable alphabet posters, flashcards, tracing sheets, and letter recognition worksheets, available by email signup. Good for visual learners or classroom use.
SpanishPod101 — Free Alphabet PDF A free downloadable PDF covering all the letters of the alphabet with pronunciation notes and writing practice.
Pronunciation Checker (Interactive Tool)
Forvo — Spanish Pronunciation Dictionary Not a lesson, but an invaluable free tool — a searchable database of Spanish words pronounced by native speakers from different countries. Useful for checking how any specific word sounds in real speech.