Orellana, Francisco de

Orellana, Francisco de (c. 1500-1545), Spanish explorer and soldier, born in Trujillo. He went to Peru in 1535. In 1540 he accompanied the Spanish explorer Gonzalo Pizarro (brother of the conquistador Francisco Pizarro) as second-in-command on an expedition across the Andes into the country to the east, which was reported to abound in gold, silver, and cinnamon.

After a number of misfortunes the expedition reached the Napo River. When the supplies were exhausted, Orellana was ordered (1541) to sail down the Napo River with 50 men to search for provisions and signs of treasure. He descended the stream to its junction with the Amazon, in present-day north-eastern Peru; instead of returning, he proceeded down the river to the Atlantic Ocean—the first recorded navigation of the river. The voyage to the mouth of the Amazon lasted nearly eight months. From the mouth of the river he sailed back to Spain. His description of a marvellous race of female warriors, whom he named after the Amazons of Greek mythology, gave the river its name. Orellana was granted permission by the Spanish government to return and continue his exploits. In 1544 he set forth in a second expedition. He died in the new territory within a year.