This study has sought to analyse how the social and cultural dynamics of the population are expressed in the recent processes of ethnic self-identification in Peru. Data from 2012 to 2016 Peru National Household survey was used to investigate specifically: (a) on the contribution of the questions about ethnic and racial self-identification included in the National Household Survey to the visibility of indigenous and Afro-Peruvian populations; (b) on the individual and local characteristics related with certain self-identification categories; and (c) if the self-identification patterns have remained stable or have varied during the survey period. Results show that the number of persons who identifies as indigenous varies according to the question used. Likewise, it was found that characteristics such as age, migratory experience, education, and income level influence on the self-identification. Finally, modest but significant changes over time were registered, which could be shedding light on some processes of social transformations.