Pedro de Alvarado (1486-1541), Spanish explorer, born in Badajoz. In 1518 he accompanied the Spanish explorer Juan de Grijalva on his voyage along the coast of Mexico. In 1519 he was second in command to the Spanish adventurer Hernán Cortés on their voyage from Havana and took an active part in the conquest of Mexico. He conquered and settled Guatemala in 1523-24 and in 1534 headed an expedition to claim the territory of Quito, maintaining it had not been included in the grant made to the Spanish conqueror of Peru, Francisco Pizarro. Met by Pizarro's troops, he agreed to turn back upon the payment of a large indemnity. Alvarado was killed during a Native American rebellion in Mexico.