The battle was fought between the royalist forces loyal to the Spanish crown, commanded by General Miguel Dambrini, and the Mexican rebels fighting for independence from the Spanish Empire, commanded by Mariano Matamoros y Guridi.

When the two armies finally met 6 kilometers from Tonalá, Chiapas, the first skirmishes took place resulting favorably for the rebel forces.

After this retreat, the royalist forces were pursued by the rebel cavalry where after they were obliged to take refuge at a ranch at Tonalá.

When Matamoros arrived, Dambrini was obliged to capitulate, surrendering all his arms, munitions and provisions.

During the battle, Matamoros was wounded in the leg and was thereafter forced to stay for a time at the ranch.