Statue of Fray Tomás in Berlanga de Duero

Fray Tomás de Berlanga (1487-1551) was born in Berlanga de Duero in Soria, Spain. He became the fourth bishop of Panama.^[1]

In 1535, he sailed to Peru to settle a dispute between Francisco Pizarro and his lieutenants after the conquest of the Inca Empire. His ship stalled when the winds died and strong currents carried him out to the Galápagos Islands which he thus discovered on March 10, 1535. He sent an account of the adventure and discovery to Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor and King of Spain.

When Tomás de Berlanga returned to the Berlanga de Duero from the Galapagos he brought with him a cayman. This cayman measured 3 meters. It is currently on display in the cathedral in Berlanga de Duero.

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