Famous People from Colombia

Colombia, known for its diverse culture and rich history, has been the birthplace of many remarkable individuals who have made significant contributions in various fields. Here is a list of famous people from Colombia, showcasing their extraordinary achievements and impact in different areas of life.

Famous People from Colombia

Gabriel García Márquez (1927 – 2014)
Nationality: Colombian
Known For: Nobel Prize-winning Literature
Gabriel García Márquez, a Nobel Prize-winning novelist known for his magical realism and masterpieces such as “One Hundred Years of Solitude.”
Shakira (1977 – present)
Nationality: Colombian
Known For: Singing, Songwriting
Shakira, a global pop sensation from Barranquilla, is known for her unique voice and electrifying performances, including hits like “Hips Don’t Lie.”
Juanes (1972 – present)
Nationality: Colombian
Known For: Music
Juanes, a Grammy-winning musician, is known for his mix of rock and Colombian folk music, making a significant impact on Latin music.
Iván Duque Márquez (1976 – present)
Nationality: Colombian
Known For: Presidency, Economic Reforms
Iván Duque Márquez, serving as the President of Colombia from 2018 to 2022, focused on economic reforms and peace negotiations.
Santiago Botero (1972 – present)
Nationality: Colombian
Known For: Cycling, Time-Trialing
Santiago Botero, a former professional cyclist known for his time-trialing ability, won several stages in the Tour de France and the World Time Trial Championship.
René Higuita (1966 – present)
Nationality: Colombian
Known For: Football, “Scorpion Kick”
René Higuita, nicknamed “El Loco” for his daring playing style, is a former football goalkeeper known for inventing the “scorpion kick.”
César Gaviria (1947 – present)
Nationality: Colombian
Known For: Presidency, Diplomacy
César Gaviria, from Pereira, served as the President of Colombia and later as the Secretary General of the Organization of American States, playing a crucial role in regional diplomacy.
Rodolfo Llinás (1934 – present)
Nationality: Colombian
Known For: Neuroscience
Rodolfo Llinás, a neuroscientist from Bogotá, has made significant contributions to understanding the brain’s physiology, particularly in the areas of neurology and the philosophy of mind.
Jorge Isaacs (1837 – 1895)
Nationality: Colombian
Known For: Literature, “María”
Jorge Isaacs was a Colombian writer and poet from Cali, best known for his novel “María,” a cornerstone of Romanticism in Latin American literature.
Juan Manuel Santos (1951 – present)
Nationality: Colombian
Known For: Presidency, Nobel Peace Prize
Juan Manuel Santos, the 32nd President of Colombia and Nobel Peace Prize laureate in 2016 for his efforts to bring the country’s more than 50-year-long civil war to an end.
Diana Trujillo (1980 – present)
Nationality: Colombian
Known For: Aerospace Engineering, NASA Missions
Diana Trujillo, a NASA aerospace engineer from Cali, has been instrumental in missions that explore Mars, serving as a role model for women in STEM.
Luis Alberto Moreno (1953 – present)
Nationality: Colombian
Known For: Economic Development, Inter-American Development Bank
Luis Alberto Moreno, as the former President of the Inter-American Development Bank, has played a crucial role in Latin American economic development, advocating for social inclusion and sustainable growth.
Julio Garavito Armero (1865 – 1920)
Nationality: Colombian
Known For: Astronomy
An esteemed astronomer, Garavito’s work and legacy in the field of astronomy have been recognized internationally, with a crater on the moon named in his honor.
Gustavo Petro (1960 – present)
Nationality: Colombian
Known For: Politics, Social Equity
Gustavo Petro, a politician and economist, has been a prominent figure in Colombian politics, advocating for social equity and environmental sustainability.
Policarpa Salavarrieta (1795 – 1817)
Nationality: Colombian
Known For: Independence Heroine
Policarpa Salavarrieta, a heroine of the Colombian independence movement, is celebrated for her espionage efforts against Spanish rule. Her bravery and sacrifice are commemorated as symbols of resistance and patriotism.