Juan de Ayolas facts for kids

Juan de Ayolas (died around 1537) was a conquistador from Briviesca, Spain. He explored the large river systems of the Río de la Plata area for the Spanish Crown.

Juan de Ayolas joined Pedro de Mendoza on his trip in 1534. Their goal was to set up colonies in the region between the Río de la Plata and the Strait of Magellan. After Mendoza went back to Spain in 1537, Ayolas briefly became the second governor of the area.

Exploring New Lands

Ayolas needed supplies for his group. He sailed up the Paraná River and built a fort called Corpus Christi. This was in the same place where Sebastian Cabot had built a fort before.

He then left Domingo Martínez de Irala at a place called Puerto la Candelaria, which is now Fuerte Olimpo. Ayolas continued his journey up the Paraguay River. He was looking for a way to reach Peru, where the Spanish had found lots of treasure.

Challenges and Discovery

During his travels, Ayolas and his men had conflicts with the Guaraní. They also crossed the difficult Gran Chaco region to reach the Andes mountains. There, they managed to find some valuable items.

However, when Ayolas returned from his journey, a group of Payagua people attacked. Juan de Ayolas and every man in his company were killed.

Legacy

Today, the city of Ayolas in Paraguay is named after him. The airport there also carries his name.

See also

In Spanish: Juan de Ayolas para niños