LA PUERTA, Luis (lah-poo-air'-tah), Peruvian statesman, born in Cuzco in August, 1811. He studied in the College of San Bernardo, in his native city, and in 1827 entered the army. For services in the battle of Yanacochea he was appointed lieutenant-colonel on the field, and afterward served as general secretary of the presidency of the council of state and in other important posts. He was promoted general on 2 January, 1855, after the battle of Miraflores, where he defeated General Echenique, who was in arms against the government. He served successively as prefect of the provinces of Cuzco and Ayacucho, minister of war, marine, and foreign affairs, president of the council of ministers, senator, and deputy in several legislatures. In 1876 he became vice president of the republic, and on 16 May, 1879, when President Prado assumed command of the army against Chili, he took charge of the executive till 29 November, when Prado returned. On 18 December, Prado abandoned the government and the country, and La Puerta again occupied the presidency, but on the 23d was deposed by Nicolas de Pierola, and has since lived in retirement.