José de San Martín's arrival in Guayaquil highlighted a pivotal moment in the struggle for independence across South America. San Martín, having successfully led military campaigns in Argentina and Chile, traveled north to engage with Simón Bolívar, who was actively working to liberate territories such as Venezuela, Colombia, and Ecuador from Spanish dominion. The meeting took place in late July 1822 and was marked by the urgency of their shared cause against colonial powers.

During their discussions, San Martín and Bolívar addressed pressing issues, such as the future of the liberated territories and the coordination of their military strategies. San Martín emphasized the need for unity among the various factions involved in the independence struggle, as regional rivalries threatened the success of their objectives. Bolivar, known for his charisma and passionate leadership, had his own visions for the future, which sometimes conflicted with San Martín's more conservative ideals.

The meeting ultimately ended with differing perspectives on how to proceed with the independence movement. San Martín proposed a more moderate approach to governance and a potential constitutional monarchy, while Bolívar was leaning towards a stronger centralized republic. Their divergent views on governance foreshadowed future political conflicts. Shortly after the meeting, San Martín decided to step back from active leadership in the independence effort, which significantly changed the course of the South American liberation struggle.