Historic Figures
When you’re thinking about rebels with a cause, Túpac Amaru II is your go-to guy. This 18th-century indigenous leader led an uprising against the Spanish that still sends chills down the spines of colonial history buffs. Then there’s Santa Rosa de Lima, the patron saint of Peru, who knew a thing or two about miracles and made multitasking between prayer and helping the poor look like a walk in the park.
Political Leaders
Current Influential Politicians
Peru’s President, the captain of the Andean ship, is always someone to keep an eye on, steering the nation through high altitudes and choppy political waters. The supporting crew, a.k.a. notable government officials, also deserve a nod for keeping the Peruvian polity afloat, even when the seas get rough.
Past Political Figures
Let’s talk about Alberto Fujimori, the man who once ran the show. His legacy is as complicated as a ceviche recipe gone wrong: a dash of authoritarianism, a sprinkle of economic stability, and a heap of human rights controversies. Then, there’s Víctor Raúl Haya de la Torre, founder of the APRA party, who was all about social justice and had more political comebacks than a telenovela.
Music Icons
Traditional Folk Musicians
Eva Ayllón and Susana Baca are the queens of Afro-Peruvian music, with voices so powerful they could make the Andes dance. They’re cultural treasures wrapped in rhythm, belting out melodies that resonate with the heart of Peru.
Contemporary Pop Stars
Gian Marco is the maestro of Peruvian pop, with enough Latin Grammy Awards to use them as doorstops. And if you think Peruvian music is all pan flutes and ponchos, Wendy Sulca will burst your bubble with her catchy pop tunes that stick like quinoa on a wool sweater.
Actors and Actresses
Peruvian Cinema Pioneers
Máximo Ballestero was crafting cinematic magic when Hollywood was just a baby, and Pierina Carcelén has kept the silver screen sizzling with Peruvian talent and more plot twists than Lima traffic.
International Success Stories
Stephanie Cayo and Magaly Solier have waved the Peruvian flag in international waters, proving that Peruvian acting chops are as exportable as Pisco.
Literary Personalities
Renowned Authors
Nobel Laureate Mario Vargas Llosa is the literary heavyweight champion of Peru. There’s also César Vallejo, who wrote poetry so deep, it makes the Mariana Trench look like a kiddie pool.
Emerging Writers
Claudia Salazar Jiménez is the new kid on the block, penning stories with the finesse of a chef garnishing a perfect plate of lomo saltado.
Artists and Designers
Visual Artists
Fernando de Szyszlo and Víctor Delfín are the Picassos of Peru, painting and sculpting their way into the art world’s hall of fame.
Fashion Designers
Mario Testino could make a potato sack look haute couture, and Titi Guiulfo has been draping the Andes in glamour longer than llamas have been wearing woolly coats.
Athletes and Sports Figures
Football Stars
Paolo Guerrero is the goal-scoring gladiator of Peruvian soccer, while Teófilo Cubillas is remembered for footwork so fancy, it could’ve danced its way out of Machu Picchu’s labyrinth.
Other Sports Talents
In the boxing ring, Kina Malpartida throws punches like Pachacuti threw Spaniards out of Cusco. And if water skiing were an Olympic sport, Natalia Cuglievan would have more gold than the Inca Empire.
Culinary Ambassadors
Celebrity Chefs
Gastón Acurio and Virgilio Martínez are the Jedi masters of Peruvian cuisine, turning potatoes into gold and creating dishes that are a love letter to biodiversity.
Media Personalities
Television Hosts
Gisela Valcárcel and Jaime Bayly are the talk-show titans of Peru, spilling the tea with the precision of a Nazca Lines geoglyph.
Influential Journalists
César Hildebrandt and Rosa María Palacios dissect the news with the sharpness of a chef filleting a fish, serving up the truth on a silver platter.
Social Media Influencers
YouTube Sensations
Andynsane and WhatTheChic are the YouTube royalty of Peru, with content more addictive than a bowl of ají de gallina.
Instagram Stars
Alejandra Baigorria and Flavia Laos are the Instagram it-girls, showcasing lifestyles so aspirational, they could turn a vicuña green with envy.