Since their arrival, the Kolla have been engaged in pastoralism, hunting and gathering, muleteering, and in supplying firewood for the mining centers, cities and towns.
Cattle raising and muleteering are their main economic activities. They also practice mining and, in spite of the scarce water, agriculture.
They combine their activities with transport and herding in the mountain routes, and with wild animal hunting (foxes, chinchillas, guanacos and vicunas).
Activities included in their seasonal calendar are for family subsistence.
In April and May takes place the breeding of the livestock (sheep and goats).
During the summer, taking advantage of the abundance of milk, the kolla engage in cheese production. In spring, animals shorn, and, in winter, when farming and herding are scarce, they spin and weave. .