author
Santiago Pérez Triana
1858–1916
A Colombian man of letters who moved easily between literature, journalism, travel writing, and diplomacy, he spent much of his life abroad while arguing for closer ties across the Americas. His work reflects both an adventurous life and a strong interest in public affairs.
1 Audiobook
Down the Orinoco in a Canoe
by Santiago Pérez Triana
About the author
Born in Bogotá in 1858, Santiago Pérez Triana was a Colombian poet, journalist, traveler, diplomat, and writer. He was the son of former Colombian president Santiago Pérez Manosalva, and his life eventually took him far beyond Colombia, including extended periods in the United States, Spain, and Britain.
He became known not only for literary work but also for his public voice. He wrote essays, stories, and travel pieces, and he was closely involved in journalism and diplomacy. Sources consistently describe him as an advocate of Pan-American or hemispheric cooperation, especially in the years before and during the First World War.
Pérez Triana died in London on April 6, 1916. Although he is not as widely remembered today as some of his contemporaries, he stands out as a cosmopolitan Colombian author whose career joined literature with international debate and political thought.