What term is used to describe Spanish explorers who sought to establish claims in the Americas?

The term "conquistadores" specifically refers to the Spanish explorers and soldiers who played major roles in the conquest of large parts of the Americas during the Age of Exploration, primarily in the 16th century. These individuals, such as Hernán Cortés and Francisco Pizarro, aimed not only to explore but also to conquer vast territories, establish Spanish claims, and convert Indigenous populations to Christianity.

Unlike the more general terms "adventurers" or "explorers," which could apply to anyone engaging in exploration or seeking new experiences, "conquistadores" carries a distinct connotation of military aggression and imperial ambition. "Colonizers" also implies a broader effort beyond exploration—specifically, the establishment of permanent settlements—which while related, does not encapsulate the initial intent of conquest and immediate territorial claim that "conquistadores" does. Therefore, within the context of Spanish expansion in the Americas, "conquistadores" is the most precise term to describe those who sought to establish claims.