Battles & Campaigns · 1881
Battle of Miraflores
Miraflores, Lima, Peru
What happened
In the War of the Pacific, Chile's army had broken Peru's first line of defence at Chorrillos two days earlier. At Miraflores it attacked Peru's second line guarding Lima. Fighting began in the afternoon, the Peruvian lines gave way, and by evening the battle was decided.
Why it matters
Why it matters: The Chilean victory opened the way to Lima, and Chilean troops entered the city two days later. Peru's president fled, leaving the country without a government.
What came next
Peruvian resistance under Cáceres continued in the mountains for about three more years.
Did you know?
Miraflores is called the 'Ciudad Heroica' (Heroic City) because of this battle.
Timeline
- 13 January 1881Battle of Chorrillos.
- 15 January 1881Battle of Miraflores.
- 17 January 1881Chilean troops enter Lima.