Andrés de Urdaneta: The explorer who revolutionized maritime routes

The history of great exploration is replete with heroic figures who braved the unknown, but few have left as lasting an impact as Andrés de Urdaneta. This 16th-century Spanish navigator, friar, and explorer is best known for his discovery of the Turnarounda sea route that connected Asia and America through the Pacific Ocean. His legacy transformed trade, exploration and relations between continents.

Andrés de Urdaneta was born in 1508 in Ordiziaa town in the Basque Country, Spain. From a young age he showed interest in the sea, which led him to enroll in maritime expeditions in an era where Spain and Portugal competed for hegemony of trade routes.

In 1525, Urdaneta participated in the Loaísa Expeditionone of the first Spanish initiatives to find a route to the Spice Islands (present-day Indonesia). This expedition, although full of difficulties, marked the beginning of his career as an expert navigator.

El Tornaviaje: His greatest contribution

The most important milestone in Urdaneta’s life was the discovery of Tornaviaje in 1565. This route made it possible to return from Asia to America by crossing the Pacific, something that until then had been an insurmountable challenge due to the winds and maritime currents.

Why was the Tornaviaje important?

Before the Turnaround, navigation from Asia to America was extremely dangerous and inefficient. Urdaneta, based on previous observations and his knowledge of the trade winds and ocean currents, discovered that by heading north, favorable winds could be taken advantage of to return to the American continent. This discovery revolutionized:

• Global trade: It established a direct connection between the Philippines and Mexico, facilitating the trade in spices, porcelain and silk, and gave rise to the famous Manila Galleon.
• The expansion of the Spanish Empire: It strengthened the Spanish presence in Asia and ensured control of strategic maritime routes.

(Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

Life as a friar and his role in the Legazpi expedition

After years of exploration, Urdaneta decided to retire from sailing and joined the Augustinian order in 1553, adopting a religious life. However, his experience made him an indispensable advisor to the Legazpi Expedition in 1564, which aimed to colonize the Philippines.

Despite his initial reluctance, Urdaneta accompanied the expedition and was instrumental in establishing the return route, consolidating the maritime connection between Asia and America.

The legacy of Andrés de Urdaneta

Andrés de Urdaneta died in 1568 in Mexico City, leaving an immense legacy in the history of navigation. His contributions were not only technical, but also strategic, integrating Asia into the commercial and cultural networks of the Western world.

Impact on navigation

• The Tornaviaje route remained in use for more than 250 years, until the decline of the Manila Galleon in the 19th century.
• His knowledge of the oceans and his ability to interpret climatic conditions made him one of the most important navigators of his time.

Historical recognition

Despite his influence, Urdaneta is less known than other explorers such as Christopher Columbus or Magellan. However, in the field of navigation and maritime expansion, its name is synonymous with innovation and perseverance.

Andrés de Urdaneta was much more than a navigator; He was a visionary who combined his passion for exploration with a deep spiritual and scientific commitment. His discovery of the Tornaviaje not only transformed the history of navigation, but also connected cultures and economies in lasting ways.