He initiated proceedings against Vasco Núñez de Balboa[1]: 259  and conquered part of current Costa Rica.

After living some time in Spain, he returned to America to join Francisco Pizarro and Diego de Almagro in the conquest of the Inca Empire.

He was born into a family of merchants and bankers, whose business was to direct trade between Flanders and Castilla from Medina de Rioseco.

Participated in the founding of the city of Panama (1519) and was appointed mayor of Santa María la Antigua del Darién.

Finally, went to Peru where he financed with the help of his family, the expedition of Francisco Pizarro and Diego de Almagro, and tried, unsuccessfully, reconciliation between the two.