If you visit Peru, you’ll quickly notice that the Peruvian currency, the nuevo sol, features portraits of important historical figures.
But who are these people, and why are they honored on Peru’s banknotes? The “Banco Central de Peru” recently redesigned its banknotes, introducing new faces while replacing older ones.
Although previous banknotes are still the currency in Peru, each person represents the country’s rich artistic, literary, historical, and scientific contributions.
So, in this article, let’s explore the stories behind the figures on the 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 nuevos soles notes features—both past and present!
10 Soles – Chabuca Granda (Current)
To begin with, the 10 soles banknote now honors Chabuca Granda, one of Peru’s most beloved singer-songwriters.
Born in 1920 in Apurímac, she became famous for her unique style of Peruvian music, blending Creole rhythms with poetic lyrics.
Her most famous song, La Flor de la Canela (“The Cinnamon Flower”), is a tribute to Lima’s charm and traditions. Peruvians remember Chabuca well for their performances and her well-written tunes and moving lyrics.
Where to learn more: Visit the Chabuca Granda Promenade in Lima, a lovely riverside walkway dedicated to her in Lima’s downtown. You can also visit the Barranco district, where she got all her inspiration.
José Abelardo Quiñones (Previous)
Before Chabuca, the face of the 10 soles bill was José Abelardo Quiñones, a heroic Peruvian Air Force pilot. During the Ecuador-Peru war in 1941.
He bravely flew his plane into enemy territory, sacrificing his life for his country. Today, he is considered a national hero.
Where to learn more: You can visit the Peruvian Air Force Museum in Lima, which displays artifacts from his military career.
20 Soles – José María Arguedas (Current)
Then, the 20 soles banknote features José María Arguedas, a brilliant writer and anthropologist who dedicated his life to preserving indigenous culture.
Born in 1911 in Andahuaylas, he grew up speaking Quechua and wrote novels that gave a voice to Andean communities.
His works, such as Deep Rivers and Yawar Fiesta, mix Spanish and Quechua, making them unique and powerful. He is one of the most respected authors in Peru’s literary history.
Where to learn more: The José María Arguedas Museum in Andahuaylas preserves his personal belongings and manuscripts. In Lima, for example, the National Library of Peru holds original editions of his books.
Raúl Porras Barrenechea (Previous)
The previous 20 soles bill featured Raúl Porras Barrenechea, a historian, diplomat, and defender of Peru’s territorial rights.
He played a key role in shaping Peru’s foreign policy and was one of the country’s most respected intellectuals.
Where to learn more: His former home in Lima is now the Raúl Porras Barrenechea Institute, a research center on Peruvian history.
50 Soles – María Rostworowski (Current)
The 50 soles bill now pays tribute to María Rostworowski, a Polish-Peruvian historian who documented Peru’s pre-Columbian past.
She wrote Historia del Tahuantinsuyo, one of the most important books on the Inca civilization. Thanks to her research, many aspects of Peru’s indigenous cultures have been preserved and better understood.
Where to learn more: The National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology, and History in Lima displays her work and studies.
Abraham Valdelomar (Previous)
Previously, the 50 soles bill featured Abraham Valdelomar Pinto, a poet, journalist, and storyteller. He is famous for El Caballero Carmelo, a heartwarming tale about a brave old fighting rooster and his young owner. His works capture everyday life in early 20th-century Peru and remain popular.
Where to learn more: His childhood home in Ica has been turned into the Abraham Valdelomar House Museum.
100 Soles – Pedro Paulet (Current)
The 100 soles bill now celebrates Pedro Paulet, a scientist and engineer considered a pioneer of modern rocketry.
Born in 1874 in Arequipa, he experimented with liquid-fueled rocket engines long before space travel was possible. Eventually, his visionary ideas influenced later developments in space exploration.
Where to learn more: The Pedro Paulet Aerospace Museum in Arequipa showcases his inventions and contributions to science.
Jorge Basadre (Previous)
Before him, Jorge Basadre, a historian specializing in Peru’s republican history, was on the 100 soles bill. His work helped shape the understanding of Peru’s development after independence.
Where to learn more: The National Library of Peru holds many of his works.
200 Soles – Tilsa Tsuchiya (Current)
Finally, the 200 soles bill now honors Tilsa Tsuchiya, a Peruvian-Japanese painter known for blending Andean cosmovision or Andean mythology with surrealism.
When she was a child, she started painting like a professional artist, so she studied at Bellas Artes University.
Her dreamlike paintings have been exhibited worldwide, making her one of Peru’s most influential modern artists.
Where to learn more: You can see her artwork in the Museum of the Central Reserve Bank of Peru in Lima and various art galleries.
Santa Rosa de Lima (Previous)
Previously, Santa Rosa de Lima was on the 200 soles bill. She was Peru’s first saint and a symbol of faith and charity.
She dedicated her life to helping the poor and sick, becoming one of the most revered figures in Peruvian and Latin American history.
Where to learn more: Her home in Lima is now the Sanctuary of Santa Rosa de Lima, a pilgrimage site for visitors.
Why These Figures Matter
In conclusion, the people on Peruvian soles are more than just faces; they represent the nation’s identity, creativity, and achievements.
Through music, literature, history, science, and art, they have shaped Peru’s cultural landscape and left a lasting impact.
When you travel to Peru, take a closer look at your banknotes! They’re not just money—they tell the stories of some of the country’s greatest minds.
So, if you want to dive deeper into their legacies, be sure to visit the museums, libraries, and cultural sites that celebrate their contributions.
Finally, want to learn more about Peru’s history and culture? Stay tuned for more fascinating stories on Viagens Machu Picchu’s blog.
Also, keep in mind that we can assist you with your dreams of visiting Peru. From archaeological sites to cuisine and culture, Peru has it all!
You can feel free to contact our consultants, so they can give you the right information for your Peruvian adventure. The adventure of a lifetime in the Andean country awaits!
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