The works of the archaeologist Rogger Ravines in the Karu cave show a very early settlement of Tarata, around 7000 BC, that is, more or less 9000 years ago.

The archaeologist Ravines found an Archaic settlement at the site of Kano, high up in the Tarata district, not far from their present city.

The temple was officially inaugurated on January 3, 1741, the same day that the Spanish foundation of the city took place.

[1] After the Battle of Tacna, and the subsequent retreat of Peruvian and Bolivian forces, the city was occupied by Chile and incorporated as a commune, beginning a process of Chilenisation.

The commune was formally established on December 22, 1891,[2] taking into account the limits assigned by the decrees of November 9, 1885 and of May 10, 1886,[3] and was composed of six subdelegations: Pocollai, Pachía, Palca, Tarata, Sama and Calana.