When did Vasco de Balboa explore? This question takes us back to the early 16th century, a time when the world was on the brink of significant geographical discoveries. Vasco Núñez de Balboa, a Spanish conquistador, is famously known for his exploration of the Pacific Ocean, an achievement that would later earn him the title of “the discoverer of the Pacific.”
In 1513, Vasco de Balboa embarked on his historic journey. After serving as a soldier in the army of the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro, Balboa was granted the rank of governor of Panama. It was during his tenure that he decided to explore the unknown lands beyond the isthmus of Panama. His expedition was driven by the hope of finding a new sea route to the East, which would bypass the treacherous route around Africa.
On September 25, 1513, Balboa and his men set out from the Darién region, near the modern-day border between Panama and Colombia. They crossed the isthmus, braving harsh conditions and the dense jungle. After several days of arduous travel, they reached the Pacific coast, which Balboa named Mar del Sur (Southern Sea). This momentous event marked the first European sighting of the Pacific Ocean from the American mainland.
Balboa’s discovery of the Pacific Ocean had profound implications for the future of exploration and trade. It opened up new possibilities for European colonization and trade routes, leading to the expansion of Spanish influence in the Americas. The news of Balboa’s discovery spread rapidly, and he was hailed as a hero in Spain. His journey remains a testament to the courage and determination of explorers during the Age of Discovery.
