Francisco Pizarro was encouraged by the success of Cortes to attempt the discovery of the El Dorado he had heard of when on Balboa's expedition.

With a companion named Diego de Almegro he made several coasting expeditions down the northwest coast of South America, during which they heard of the empire of the Incas on the plateau of Peru.

They also obtained sufficient gold and silver to raise their hopes of the riches of the country, and returned to Spain to report to the Emperor.

Pizarro obtained permission from Charles V.to attempt the conquest of Peru, of which he was named Governor and Captain-General, on condition of paying a tribute of one-fifth of the treasure he might obtain.

He started in February 1531 with a small force of 180 men, of whom thirty-six were horsemen.