García Banqueda was promoted to captain in 1824, and participated in the Occupation of the Araucanía during the later stages of the Arauco War, against the Araucanian bands of Mariluán. He was also present at the capture of the Roquecura castle and the battle of Bellavista. In 1828, he campaigned against the Pincheira brothers. During the War of the Confederation he fought at the battles of Portada de Guías (1838), Chiquián, Buin, Yungay (1839), and in the capture of Lima. He was promoted to colonel on the field of Yungay as a reward for his bravery.