During the war with Chile, after the battle of San Pablo when the Araucanian entered Chota, the people decided to poison the waters of Colpamayo.

Chileans ordered the burning of Chota, August 29, 1882 in retaliation for the defeat they suffered at San Pablo.

Thousands of houses fell, and the church burned although the statue of their patron saint, Maria Inmaculada, was saved.

The main festival is San Juan, held on 24 June; the bullfight in the Coso "El Vizcaíno", is the primary attraction.

The Patronal Fiesta Santa Rosa de Lima takes place in the Cabracancha district of Chota, and is celebrated on August 30.