The famous explorer known for his voyage to the Americas in 1492 is Christopher Columbus. Sponsored by Spain, Columbus embarked on this historic journey seeking a westward route to Asia. Instead, he landed in the Caribbean, marking the beginning of European exploration and colonization of the Americas. His voyages, while significant in terms of global history, also led to devastating consequences for indigenous peoples. Columbus' expeditions opened the door to the Age of Exploration, creating lasting impacts on trade, culture, and geopolitics between Europe and the New World.