1513 Expedition

The 1513 Expedition, led by Spanish explorer Vasco Núñez de Balboa, was a significant early journey across Central America. In 1513, Balboa crossed challenging jungles and mountains to reach the Pacific Ocean, becoming the first European to see and claim it for Spain. This expedition demonstrated the potential for further exploration and expansion into the New World. It also opened routes for future Spanish expeditions and increased European interest in the region, shaping the course of colonial history in Central and South America.