In January 1817, Juan Gregorio de las Heras, a prominent military leader for the United Provinces of the Rio de la Plata, orchestrated a military operation that involved the daunting task of crossing the Andes Mountains. This maneuver was part of a broader strategy to engage Spanish royalist forces that had been threatening the region's newfound independence. The Picheuta Pass, a narrow and perilous route, was critical for maintaining supply lines and troop movements during the war. However, the rugged terrain and local weather conditions posed severe challenges to any military unit attempting to traverse this mountainous landscape.

During this operation, de las Heras' troops faced ambushes from well-prepared Spanish forces who were familiar with the area. The skirmishing in Picheuta led to unfortunate circumstances for some of de las Heras' men, as they found themselves outmaneuvered and captured amidst the chaos of battle. The capture of these soldiers was a significant blow to the patriot cause, demonstrating the vulnerability of rebel forces even in strategically critical operations. This engagement underscored the brutal reality of the ongoing conflict for independence, as both sides sought every advantage in a war marked by both regional ambitions and broader ideological underpinnings.

As the campaign progressed, the actions at Picheuta would contribute to shaping future strategies employed by both the independence forces and Spanish troops. The conflict evolved into a series of intense battles as both sides adjusted their tactics based on successes and failures on the ground. This episode ultimately served as a formative experience that illustrated the harsh realities of the war and the relentless drive for autonomy that characterized the struggle for independence from Spanish colonial rule. The capture of the soldiers at Picheuta thus stands as a reminder of the sacrifices made in the name of liberty, echoing the themes of resilience against oppression.