Which explorer led Portugal in winning the European race for a sea route to Asia?Bartolomeau DiasAlvar Nunez de VacaVasco Nunez de BalboaVasco de Gama

The explorer who led Portugal in winning the European race for a sea route to Asia was Vasco de Gama. He is best known for his successful voyage to India, which he embarked on in 1497. This journey marked a significant milestone in the Age of Discovery as it established a direct maritime route between Europe and Asia, essentially facilitating trade in spices, silk, and other valuable commodities.

Vasco de Gama's expedition sailed around the southern tip of Africa, known as the Cape of Good Hope, and continued to reach the shores of India, particularly the port city of Calicut. This not only opened up new trading opportunities for Portugal but also gave rise to further explorations and the establishment of Portuguese colonies in Asia.

In contrast, Bartolomeu Dias was the first to round the Cape of Good Hope in 1488, but it was Vasco de Gama who completed the journey to India, thereby claiming the title for Portugal in the race for a sea route to Asia. The other explorers listed, Alvar Nunez de Vaca and Vasco Nunez de Balboa, were involved in different explorations, primarily in the Americas.