The Battle of Sangarará took place nine days after the execution of Antonio de Arriaga, the corregidor of Tinta. Sangarará was the first major conflict between Spanish and rebel forces in the Rebellion of Túpac Amaru. Following the capture of Quiquijana, which had been abandoned by its corregidor, on November 12, 1780, meetings were held in Cuzco to establish a war council. Forces consisting of 800 from surrounding areas were combined with volunteers and militia from Cuzco and were organized under Tiburcio Landa. They arrived in Sangarará on the night of November 17 and based themselves in the town's church. The expectation of the arrival of a snowstorm may have influenced the Spanish decision to fortify the church in addition to strategic reasons.