[4] In the late 19th century its inhabitants were prone to suffer typhus, ostensibly because of the poor quality of the village's water source and the existence of a nearby swamp.

[5] In 1904 the village had obtained a new water supply thanks to Father Luis Friedrich's initiative and the wealthy neighbors who financed the works.

[5] The population of Matilla is mostly of Spanish descent in contrast to Pica whose old inhabitants have more indigenous heritage.

[6] The location became first known to the Spanish after the men of Diego de Almagro reached the area in 1536 on their return to Peru.

[6] Local lore says the town was founded in 1547 by Márquez de Loayza who arrived from present-day Bolivia.