After the Admirable Campaign, Simón Bolívar had reconquered the capital Caracas in August 1813, but large area's of Venezuela remained under Royalist control.

The Spanish Governor of Coro Province, José Ceballos, had gathered 1,300 soldiers and advanced towards Valencia.

He was joined by the 2,500 men under command of José Antonio Yáñez and defeated a Patriot force in the Battle of Tierrita Blanca on 10 November.

Bolivar, summoned all the men that he could, and advanced to meet Ceballos, what occurred near a place called Araure.

You removed the enemy's flags in the moment of your victory; you have earned the famous, invincible call of Numancia.