What countries were most interested in exploring the West and why?

In the 15th and 16th centuries, Spain and Portugal were the most interested in exploring the West, driven by the desire for new trade routes, wealth from resources like gold and spices, and the spread of Christianity. Spain's conquests in the Americas, led by explorers like Columbus and Cortés, aimed to expand their empire and gain riches. Meanwhile, Portugal focused on maritime exploration along the coasts of Africa and eventually Brazil, seeking to establish a sea route to Asia. These motivations were fueled by competition among European powers and advances in navigation technology.