- Maria Conceição is set to complete the prestigious Explorer’s Grand Slam.
- She will be the first Portuguese woman to achieve this remarkable feat.
- The Explorer’s Grand Slam includes summiting the Seven Summits and skiing both poles.
- Maria’s final challenge is the Puncak Jaya summit in Indonesia.
Maria Conceição, a UAE resident and trailblazing adventurer, is on the cusp of making history. Today, she embarks on her final expedition to summit Puncak Jaya, Indonesia’s highest peak, marking the last challenge in her journey to complete the prestigious Explorer’s Grand Slam. If successful, Maria will become the first Portuguese woman to achieve this extraordinary feat.
The Explorer’s Grand Slam is one of the most demanding challenges in extreme adventure, requiring participants to summit the Seven Summits— the highest peaks on each continent— and ski to both the North and South Poles. To date, fewer than 75 individuals worldwide have completed the Grand Slam, with only 15 women among them.
Maria’s journey has been filled with historic achievements. In July 2024, she became the first Portuguese woman to conquer K2, the world’s second-highest and one of its most dangerous mountains. Reflecting on her journey, Maria said: “This challenge has been a dream for years, and to be just one step away feels surreal. I hope my story inspires others to push past their limits, no matter the odds.”
Having already completed the Seven Summits and the North and South Pole ski expeditions, Maria’s final challenge at Puncak Jaya is all that stands between her and this historic milestone. Despite a severe knee injury in 2018, Maria’s indomitable spirit has carried her through the grueling physical demands of her journey.
Her journey not only reflects personal strength but also inspires countless others, showing that with persistence, even the most formidable goals can be conquered.
For more details on Maria’s adventure and future pursuits, visit her official website: www.mariaconceicao.com.