Why did the spanish explore and colonize new mexico and florida in the 1600s?

There were a few reasons behind the colonisation of Florida and New Mexico by Spain in the 1600s. Firstly the Spanish wanted to get to the gold that were thought to be present in New Mexico. They wanted to be rich as other dominating colonisers like the British. Secondly they were also driven by the dream of finding the fountain of youth in Florida. The third reason was to become famous as well as important among the colonisers. They also wanted to spread their religion as well.