Diego Velázquez de Cuéllar, the governor of Cuba, asked a permission to allow him to make an expedition. Francisco Hernández de Córdoba left the harbour of Siantiago of Cuba on February 8, 1517 to explore the shores of South Mexico with three ships. He was the capitain of the ships. The main pilot was Anton de Alaminos, the other pilots were Juan Alvarez and Camacho de Triana. Bernal Díaz del Castillo also participated in the expedition.

During his journey a lot of men were killed. He also was injured and died a few days later after he arrived in Cuba. Bernal Díaz del Castillo wrote about his journey.