 These conquistadores had formed part of the failed campaigns to the highlands of Bolivia and all in all around 150 Spaniards joined the expedition.Valdivia resolved to avoid the road over the Andes, which had proved fatal to Almagro's army, and set out resolutely through the Atacama Desert.On the way, Pedro Sancho de Hoz, seeking sole leadership, tried to murder Valdivia but failed.