What was Balboa's purpose?

Answer 1

The general purpose of explorer and colonist Vasco Nunez de Balboa (c. 1475-1519) was to further his own and Spain's national interest through conquest and colonization of portions of the Americas in the early 16th century. The most famous and important portion of his effort was an attempt to locate (and then claim for Spain) the 'South Sea' -- the Pacific Ocean -- which he successfully accomplished in 1513, thereby becoming the first known European to set eyes on the Pacific from across the Americas.