[2] The geographical limits of the Confederation varied over time, with Bolivia occupying and incorporating the disputed territories in northern Argentina in 1838.

Historian Jorge Basadre frames the confederation as part of a period of "determination of the nationalities" in western South America.

The idea of uniting both countries was the general idea of several influential political leaders in Peru—including Francisco Xavier de Luna Pizarro, José María Pando [es], Manuel Lorenzo de Vidaurre [es], Agustín Gamarra, among others—who sought to reintegrate the two Perus, disagreeing only in the form of the “union”: confederation or merger.

Two constituent congresses were established in each of the three founding states of the confederation, in the cities of Huaura (North Peru), Sicuani (South-Peru) and Tapacarí (Bolivia).

[7] On April 10, Orbegoso recognized South Peru as an independent state through a decree, and a Supreme Court was installed in Cuzco on August 24.

[8] The Huaura Assembly lasted from August 3 to 24, 1836, and featured representatives from La Libertad, Lima, Huaylas, Maynas and Junín.

Around that time, Santa Cruz received the diploma and insignia of Grand Officer of the Legion of Honour, with which the King of France honored him.

The congress was postponed to April 18; Meanwhile, Santa Cruz remained in Arica, but on March 2 he headed for Tacna, where he was received with much fanfare.

[14] Reactions to the pact were mixed event among its signatories, and disagreements led to the establishment of one constituent congress per member state.

Like Orbegoso, Santa Cruz also had many opponents and enemies born in the frequent caudillo clashes of the early years of Peru's republican history.

[19][25] After Blanco Encalada's troops arrived in Valparaíso, he was met with hostile demonstrations and the Chilean government repudiated the treaty of Paucarpata.

[19] Around the same time, North Peru seceded from the Confederation on July 30,[27] but was nevertheless attacked and defeated by the United Restoration Army in the Battle of Portada de Guías of August 21.

[30] Santa Cruz occupied Lima on November 10, ending the siege in Callao, but left for the north, where the restaurateurs were located.