Discovery of the Darién Gap: Balboa's exploration led to the discovery of the Darién Gap, a narrow region of dense rainforest that separates North and South America. The Darién Gap has remained largely unexplored and impassable, contributing to the distinct cultural and ecological differences between the two continents.
Influence on Spanish Conquistadors: Balboa's successful journey to the Pacific inspired other Spanish conquistadors to undertake expeditions to the New World in search of wealth and power. His accomplishments and tales of riches motivated subsequent Spanish explorations, conquests, and settlements in the Americas.
Establishment of Panama: Balboa founded the settlement of Santa María la Antigua del Darién in 1510, which became the first permanent European settlement on the American mainland. This settlement laid the foundation for the future development of the Panama region and played a crucial role in establishing Spanish control over the area.
Route for Transcontinental Travel: Balboa's exploration provided the groundwork for the establishment of the Panama Canal, which became one of the world's most important trade routes. The canal significantly reduced travel time between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and facilitated global commerce.