What term describes the Spanish adventurers who explored the New World?

The term that describes the Spanish adventurers who explored the New World is "Conquistadors." This word specifically refers to the Spanish conquerors who were known for their expeditions in the Americas during the Age of Discovery, particularly in the 16th century. These individuals, such as Hernán Cortés and Francisco Pizarro, were motivated by a combination of the desire for wealth, land, and the spread of Christianity. Conquistadors played a significant role in the Spanish colonization of large portions of the Americas, often employing both military conquest and alliances with native peoples to achieve their goals.

While "Explorers" could describe a broader category of individuals who ventured into new territories for discovery purposes, it doesn't capture the militaristic and imperialistic connotation that "Conquistadors" conveys. "Navigators" more specifically refers to those skilled in directing the course of ships and does not encompass the aggressive ambitions of the Conquistadors. Lastly, "Settlers" refers to individuals who establish a permanent residence in a new area, which does not accurately represent the initial confrontational and exploratory nature of the Conquistadors' activities.