Battle of Portada de Guías
Lima, Peru
What happened
A Chilean army with Peruvian allies under General Manuel Bulnes fought the Peruvian forces of Luis José de Orbegoso. During the War of the Confederation, Chile opposed the union of Peru and Bolivia under Andrés de Santa Cruz. Bulnes's army advanced on Lima, and Orbegoso's defenders were forced to fight outside the city near the Portada de Guías gate. After hard fighting, the defenders fell back, and the Chileans entered Lima that evening.
Why it matters
Why it matters: The occupation of Lima restored Peru's 1834 constitution. Agustín Gamarra was chosen as provisional president.
What came next
Bulnes defeated Santa Cruz at Yungay in January 1839, and the Peru-Bolivian Confederation was dissolved.
Did you know?
General Remigio Deustua, who fought in the battle, was the father of the Peruvian philosopher Alejandro Deustua.
Timeline
- 1836The War of the Confederation begins.
- 17 November 1837The Treaty of Paucarpata is signed but rejected.
- 21 August 1838Chile wins at Portada de Guías.
- 20 January 1839Bulnes wins at Yungay.
- 25 August 1839The Confederation is dissolved.