Vespucci held a place in Goncalo Coelho’s 1501 Expedition to the Americas

The expedition was sent by King Manuel I of Portugal to settle the subject of claims under the Tordesillas Treaty. The pact allocated discoveries to Spain and Portugal based on a line drawn by Pope Julius II 2000 kilometers west of the Cape Verde Islands. Any discoveries made east of the line would go under Portugal's jurisdiction, while those made west of the line would fall under Spain's.

The mission, which explored the east coast of modern-day Brazil, had Vespucci as both a pilot and navigator. This trip would lead them to the current location of Rio de Janeiro. They were also ambushed by Indians, who ate one of their crew members.