Gran Colombia's victory over Peru at Tarqui ended active hostilities and led to the Treaty of Guayaquil, settling borders between the two nations.
Key Facts
- Date
- 27 February 1829
- Location
- Tarqui, near Cuenca, present-day Ecuador
- Gran Colombia commander
- Antonio José de Sucre
- Peru commander
- José de La Mar
- Armistice signed at
- Girón
- Commemorated as
- Army Day by the Ecuadorian Army
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Territorial and political tensions between Gran Colombia and Peru escalated into open conflict during the Gran Colombia–Peru War. Peruvian forces under La Mar advanced into Colombian-claimed territory, prompting a Colombian military response led by Marshal Antonio José de Sucre.
On 27 February 1829, Colombian forces engaged and defeated the Peruvian vanguard at Tarqui near Cuenca, forcing the bulk of the Peruvian army to withdraw. Despite the victory, Gran Colombia suffered heavy cavalry losses during a Peruvian charge, limiting its ability to press the campaign further.
Following the battle, Sucre and La Mar signed an armistice at Girón. Political instability in Peru led to La Mar's deposition by Agustín Gamarra, who then negotiated the Treaty of Guayaquil with Gran Colombia, formally establishing borders. The conflict unfolded alongside internal pressures that would ultimately bring about the dissolution of Gran Colombia.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Antonio José de Sucre.
Side B
1 belligerent
José de La Mar.