An Incredible Journey:

The story of Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca

Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca was a Spanish explorer that came to America in 1526. His story is one of bravery, ingenuity and a keen sense of adaptation.

 Shows de Vaca's route in blue.

De Vaca came to the New World as second in command to another Spanish explorer who quickly ran both his ship and his expedition into the ground. De Vaca and his fellow survivors were forced to survive among the natives with no food, no supplies and no way home.

De Vaca was the first Spanish explorer to truly experience native culture. He spent years as a tribe trader before reluctantly accepting the role of tribe shaman.

After ten years, de Vaca rejoined Spanish society as a changed man. He became a crusader for Native American rights and was quickly returned to Spain by his soldiers in chains for his kindness.

The accounts of de Vaca's adventures spread like wildfire through Europe. His journey inspired the expeditions of later Spanish explorers such as de Soto and Coronado.

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