Juan Fernández Ladrillero, Spanish Explorer

Juan Fernández Ladrillero was a 16th-century Spanish navigator and explorer. In 1563, under orders from Spain, he sailed from Callao, Peru, to Valparaíso, Chile, in only 30 days. In fact, due to this remarkable feat, they called him “el brujo del Pacífico” or “the wizard of the Pacific.” In 1574, Ladrillero discovered an alternative maritime route from Callao to Valparaíso. This route was much faster than the old one which bordered the coastline.  By taking a detour west from the coast, he managed to avoid the northern Humboldt Current which slowed down ships sailing south along the coast. In fact, by doing…