There are many different types of conversion. Conversion to Catholicism occured at many different levels in Latin America. Most only converted at the surface while some melded the two religions. There were also few who completely converted to Catholicism. There were also some who rejected both religions.

Complete conversion is when the person fully understood Catholicism and became devolt in the faith. Complete conversion was rare because of the context of the situation in Latin America. Many people had a hard time getting rid of their entire belief system and fully indulging themselves in another religion.

External syncretism is the conversion to Catholicism only in practice, not belief. The natives were forced to go to church, whether or not they agreed with the doctrine of the church. They remained loyal to their old beliefs. Those who absolutely refused to go to church were punished serverly.

Internal syncretism is the melding of the two religions. With internal syncretism, people began to understand Christianity, but did so by comparing it to their own religion. Eventually, they take both worldviews and practice both religions simultaneously. For instance, they would still give offerings to their old gods, but would syncretize their gods with the Saints.

Compartmentalization is when both religions are practiced, but they are practiced separately. They are not melded together like internal syncretism. Those who practiced compartmentalization did not hide their rituals. They would still offer gifts at the huacas, but would also go to church and offer gifts to the Saints. In ritual, a native speaker might chant to the native gods while another person may chant to the Catholic Saints.

Nepantalism is when a person does not believe in either religion. Some nepantalists live in the secular world and are not concerned with religious practices. Other nepantalists reject both the old religion and the new religion.