Opening of the Manila Galleon Route

Timeline

1. c. 1564–1565Navidad · MexicoLegazpi set out from the west coast of Mexico with five ships, aiming to establish a Spanish foothold in the Philippines and find a reliable return route. The Augustinian friar Urdaneta accompanied them as pilot-adviser, having previously taken part in Magellan's expedition and possessing transoceanic sailing experience.
2. c. 1565Cebu · PhilippinesAfter reaching the Philippines, the expedition clashed with local forces, captured Cebu, and burned local resistance. Legazpi then moved north to explore Luzon, establishing the San Miguel outpost on Manila Bay, the foundation of the future city of Manila.
3. c. 1565North Pacific · North PacificUrdaneta sailed the San Pedro north to about 42°N to use the westerlies and currents, then turned east across the Pacific, reaching Acapulco after four months. This became the standard Manila Galleon return route, solving the one-way dilemma of Pacific trade.
4. 1565Acapulco–Manila · Southeast AsiaAfter Urdaneta's successful return, Spain brought the Philippines into New Spain's administrative system and planned regular galleon fleets carrying silver from Acapulco to Manila and returning with Asian goods. 1565 thus marks the start of the Manila Galleon era, linking the Americas, Asia, and Europe in a silver-goods cycle.