The introduction of exotic species into the Andean agropastoral economies in the high-altitude deserts creates a unique scenario to investigate various forms of animal management and exploitation. The study of economic practices in the archaeological sites of the Early Colony in Antofagasta de la Sierra (Catamarca, Argentina) revealed the complexity of livestock strategies and practices during the first colonial contacts. In this paper, we present the results of the zooarchaeological analysis of the Punta de la Peña 9-Sector III Structure 4 (PP9-III-E4), located at 3620 m a.s.l. In order to identify changes in the economic and social practices of local agropastoral communities during colonial contacts, faunal remains from the Early Colony layers (1419-1660 cal AD) were analysed . The results reveal the presence of the four main exotic taxa (Ovis aries, Capra hircus, Sus domesticus and Bos taurus) during the first colonial contacts at the archaeological site. Additionally, the economic importance of these taxa is observed in comparison to the native taxa (Lama glama and Vicugna vicugna).