The expeditionary force had to march nearly 3,350km (730 leagues) from Buenos Aires to Huaqui. In those days, this was a very exhausting task. After reaching San Salvator de Jujuy, they had to ascend to the Alti Plano. The Alti Plano was difficult terrain for the troops, who mostly came from the plains around Buenos Aires. Potosi is situated 4,000m above sea level, and La Paz about 3,800m above sea level. the soldiers had to accomodate themselves to the climate. This was one of the reasons for the revolutionarios to enlist recruits from the inhabitants.

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Copyright 1996 by The South and Central Military Historians Society