Happy belated Women’s Day to all women in Peru and the rest of the world! Women are an important asset for what Peru is today. Did you know that women helped Peru to shape its history and culture? Recognizing the past women’s day, let’s see 5 Peruvian women who left a lasting and memorable legacy in the Andean country’s history.
From women in the colonial era to contemporary women who mark an unforgettable legacy in our country. Without further ado, let’s get into it.
Micaela Bastidas: The Fearless Rebel of Cusco
Micaela’s story begins with her father, who had Afro-Peruvian ancestry, and her mother, a Peruvian indigenous woman. Micaela Bastidas was born around 1744 in either Pampamarca, Cusco, or Tamburco, Abancay—historians can’t quite agree.
Micaela wasn’t just the wife of Tupac Amaru II, the famed rebel leader; she was a significant force in the 1780 uprising against Spanish oppression. She strategized, led troops, and struck fear into colonial hearts—so much so that they refused her a pardon.
Married at 16 to Tupac Amaru II, she became his equal in rebellion. She didn’t just support the cause—she wrote fiery letters to rally support, managed logistics, and even rode into battle. When Spaniards captured her, she endured unimaginable cruelty, forced to watch her son’s execution before her own.
Her life ended tragically in 1781, executed in that very Cusco Plaza de Armas, but her legacy burns bright in Peru’s fight for justice. Peruvian women remember her every March 8th, and May 18th, the day of her death.
Taste the Culture: Savor cuy (guinea pig) in Cusco—roasted with herbs, it’s a dish rooted in Andean tradition that Micaela might have enjoyed.
Travel Stop: In the Avenida el Sol in Cusco, there’s a massive mural, and there’s a scene dedicated to Micaela and her husband. In Micaela Bastidas Plaza de Armas, you can find a statue honoring her powerful sacrifice.
Cultural Tip: Time your trip for Inti Raymi (June 24), the Festival of the Sun, when Cusco explodes with music and rituals honoring its past.
Clorinda Matto de Turner: The Writer with a Cause
Let’s stay in Cusco a little longer for Clorinda Matto de Turner, born in 1852 into a well-off family. She wielded her pen like a weapon, exposing Peru’s social injustices through her groundbreaking novel “Aves sin nido” (1889). This book, one of the first to humanize indigenous people in literature, ruffled feathers—big time.
Thanks to her fearless complaints to the Christian church and promoting women’s rights and education, the Peruvian Catholic church excommunicated her. Religious people were so angry at her that they burned her photograph in public, finally exiling her to Argentina.
Clorinda kept writing, leaving a legacy that still shapes Peruvian thought today. Clorinda’s early years in Tinta, a small Andean town, opened her eyes to the exploitation of indigenous communities. Aves sin nido tackled taboo topics like corrupt clergy and racial inequality, sparking outrage but also dialogue.
She faced death threats and had her house burned down, yet she persisted, founding a magazine and championing women’s education. Her exile only sharpened her resolve, and her works remain staples in Peruvian schools. Clorinda’s life proves that words can ignite revolutions.
Taste the Culture: During Cusco’s Corpus Christi, try chiri uchu—a vibrant dish of meats, veggies, and spices mirroring the cultural blend Clorinda championed.
Travel Stop: Check out the Biblioteca Municipal de Cusco, where her books whisper tales of change.
Cultural Tip: Visit during Qoyllur Rit’i (May or June), a pilgrimage blending Catholic and indigenous rites—Clorinda’s kind of story.
Laura Esther Rodriguez Dulanto: A doctor ahead of her time
Now, let’s head to Lima, the Peruvian capital. Here, Laura Esther Rodriguez Dulanto, born in 1872 in Supe, Lima, made history as Peru’s first female doctor. She not only finished her middle school, but she was the first Peruvian female to study medicine at San Marcos University.
At a time that compulsory education for women was pretty basic and society said that women must be in charge of the household chores, Rodriguez Dulanto showed bravery to face several difficulties for being a woman in a man’s world.
Rodriguez Dulanto exceeded all expectations, her entry exam was the highest at that time, then, by 1900, after facing extra exams and endless skepticism, she graduated, specializing in surgery and gynecology. Laura didn’t just heal; she shattered ceilings for Peruvian women everywhere.
Her achievements paved the way for future generations, and her quiet determination still inspires in Lima’s bustling streets. She’s a reminder that grit can rewrite the rules.
Taste the Culture: In Lima, dig into ceviche—fresh fish kissed with lime juice, as bold and refreshing as Laura’s spirit.
Travel Stop: Wander the University of San Marcos, one of the Americas’ oldest, and imagine Laura striding through as a pioneer.
Cultural Tip: Visit during Lima’s anniversary (January 18) for parades and festivities that celebrate the city’s trailblazers.
Chabuca Granda: The Voice of Peru’s Soul
Shift gears to Chabuca Granda, born in 1920 in Apurímac, whose voice is Peru’s heartbeat. Her Criollo waltzes, infused with Afro-Peruvian rhythms, are pure magic. “La flor de la canela,” inspired by a woman from Lima’s Barranco district, is so iconic it’s practically the city’s anthem.
After a headline-grabbing divorce in 1952, Chabuca’s career took off, her soulful voice captivating the nation until she died in 1983. Chabuca grew up surrounded by music, but it was her post-divorce freedom that unleashed her genius.
Songs like “Fina estampa” and “José Antonio” paint Peru’s landscapes and people with sound, blending European, African, and indigenous influences. She wasn’t just a performer—she was a poet, crafting melodies that linger in Lima’s cafes and streets.
Her music is a love letter to Peru, and it’s impossible not to sway along. Peruvian Government even changed the 10 soles bill to one that has her face on it, which shows how respected and loved she is by all Peruvians.
Taste the Culture: In Andean regions, try pachamanca—meats and potatoes cooked underground, as soulful as Chabuca’s tunes.
Travel Stop: Stroll Barranco to the Puente de los Suspiros (Bridge of Sighs), a spot tied to her songs and dripping with romance.
Cultural Tip: Catch a peña show in Lima, where live Criollo music channels Chabuca’s vibe.
María Parado de Bellido: The Spy of Ayacucho
Finally, let’s journey to Ayacucho, a city of churches and artisan charm, to meet María Parado de Bellido, born in 1761. A mother of seven, María became an unsung hero of Peru’s independence. In 1822, she risked it all as a spy, smuggling messages to rebel forces.
Captured by the Spanish, she refused to snitch, choosing execution over betrayal. Her quiet bravery is honored every November 30, Peru’s Day of the Heroines. María’s life was simple until the independence movement swept through Ayacucho.
With her husband and children already in the fight, she joined as a messenger, using her unassuming role as a homemaker to outsmart the enemy. When caught, her silence spoke volumes, cementing her as a symbol of loyalty. Her sacrifice helped secure Peru’s freedom, and her story resonates in Ayacucho’s cobblestone streets.
Taste the Culture: Try puca picante in Ayacucho—a spicy pork and potato stew as fierce as María’s resolve.
Travel Stop: Visit the Pampa de Ayacucho, where a monument honors her courage.
Cultural Tip: Plan your trip for Holy Week, when Ayacucho’s processions and crafts bring María’s legacy to life.
Why They Matter to Your Trip
These women aren’t just history—they’re Peru’s living pulse. Micaela’s defiance dances in Cusco’s festivals, Clorinda’s words echo in its libraries, Laura’s grit fuels Lima’s progress, Chabuca’s melodies drift through its streets, and María’s courage hums in Ayacucho’s markets.
As you travel, taste our food, visit our places, live our traditions, and let their stories deepen your journey. From rugged peaks to coastal cities, their legacies make Peru unforgettable. Where will they inspire you to go next? Keep in mind that, for Peru and its destinations, Viagens Machu Picchu can help you out.
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