Our expeditions are longer trips, often in remote locations and usually with the principal goal of ascending major peaks. American Alpine Institute began guiding expeditions in 1976, our second year of operation, and rapidly gained a reputation for running ambitious and well-organized climbs.
View from a Bolivia II camp in the Condoriri Lake District. Cerro Condoriri is in the distance and its West Wing is to its left in the center of the photo. Miles NewbyThe high peaks of Bolivia's Cordillera Real offer some of the most spectacular alpine climbing in the world. Join AAI for just the first part of this skill-building expedition, or use it to prepare and acclimatize for the Illimani Expedition.
- Location:Cordillera Real, Bolivia
- Season:June - September
- Length:17 days or 10 days without acclimatization trek
- Cost:Private Programs Available
Climbers just above the 20,000-foot level of Illimani with the lower, north summit in the distance. Andrew WexlerIllimani is the highest peak in the Cordillera Real. It is a massive mountain with three summits over 20,000 feet and with a profile visible from hundreds of miles out on the altiplano to the west and from far out into the Amazon Basin on the east.
- Location:Cordillera Real, Bolivia
- Season:May - September
- Length:22 days or 5 days without prep programs
- Cost:Contact AAI Office for more details
Ancohuma (21,095 ft) rises dramatically above the altiplano. Mike McWherterAncohuma (21,095 ft) and Illampu (20,873 ft) constitute two of the best alpine climbs on the continent and because of their remoteness and technical quality, they are among the least often attempted of South American classic routes.
- Location:Cordillera Real, Bolivia
- Season:June - September
- Length:18 days
- Cost:Private Programs Available - Starting at $10,000
AAI climbers ascending the 16,000' ridge on Denali's West Buttress. Photo: George BiekerThe American Alpine Institute has been guiding Denali since 1980 and has an outstanding record of safety and summit success. This guided climb ascends the beautiful West Buttress route, first pioneered by Bradford Washburn in 1951. This is no ordinary mountain trek though. Instead, this is a demanding expedition across high and steep glaciers in arctic air to the tallest point in North America, to the top of one of the coveted "Seven Summits." There is no doubt. This is the adventure of a lifetime!
- Location:Alaska Range
- Season:May - June
- Length:21 days
- Cost:$12,450
Climbers approaching the Schrund Camp on the West Rib route. AAI CollectionDenali's West Rib is a beautiful, three-mile long ridge that rises dramatically from an 11,000-foot base. In its 9000-foot vertical rise it offers a full range of snow and ice climbing challenges, from ascents and traverses of narrowly winding crests, to sustained technical challenge on 55-degree ice faces. In addition to its variety, the route's dramatic outline and nearly direct rise to the mountain's summit add to its appeal.
- Location:Alaska Range
- Season:May
- Length:21 days
- Cost:Starts at $11,900
A climber negotiates difficult mixed climbing on the Cassin Ridge route, Denali. Andrew WexlerFirst climbed in 1961, the Cassin Ridge rises 8000 feet from the very bottom of Denali's South face to within a few yards of the true summit of the mountain. Steep snow, ice, and mixed climbing make this one of the most sought-after big mountain alpine climbs in the world.
- Location:Alaska Range
- Season:May - July
- Length:21 days
- Cost:Call for pricing
Mt. Waddington is among the most remote, beautiful, and seldom seen climbs in North America. Dylan TaylorFirst climbed in 1936 by Fritz Wiessner and Bill House in one of the great mountaineering feats of the early 20th century, Mount Waddington (13,186 ft) is the highest peak in the central Coast Range of BC. Fifty-degree snow and 5.7 rock cap a long and complex glacier route, making a climb of Waddington a significant achievement for any mountaineer.
- Location:Coast Range, BC
- Season:June - July
- Length:12 days
- Cost:Contact us for pricing
Climbers celebrating on an unnamed, previously unclimbed summit in the St. Elias Range. Paul ValulisIntroducing Alaska and expedition climbing, participants with previous mountaineering experience will learn the skills to be a rope team leader on moderate glacial terrain while intermediate climbers review snow and ice techniques, protective systems, and crevasse rescue. All participants attempt ascents at a beginner or intermediate level in the Wrangell-Saint Elias Mountains.
- Location:St. Elias Range, Alaska
- Season:May - June
- Length:Varies
- Cost:Please contact AAI for pricing
Italy's Boot towers over the Pika Glacier. Kurt HicksLittle Switzerland is the name given to a series of dramatic granite spires jutting up out of the Pika Glacier like broken teeth. Found just 35 miles south of Denali, this sub-range provides ample opportunities for climbers to ascend dramatic towers in single pushes from a base camp on the glacier. Little Swiss is an alpine playground in a grand setting.
- Location:Alaska Range
- Season:June - July
- Length:12 Days
- Cost:Call or email for pricing
El Altar. Michael PowersAn exotic, remote expedition goal, El Altar (17,930 ft) is one of the most technically demanding peaks of the northern Andes and its nine distinct summits have seldom been climbed.
- Location:Ecuadorian Andes
- Season:Currently unavailable
- Length:15 Days
- Cost:Contact AAI Office for more details
Nearing the summit on Antisana with Cayambe in the distance. Dylan TaylorThis expedition is an excellent choice for intermediate climbers wishing to apply their skills to moderately challenging high altitude routes on peaks that are often admired and seldom climbed.
- Location:Ecuadorian Andes
- Season:October - February
- Length:10 days, or 14 with Chimborazo extension
- Cost:Private Pricing
Chimborazo rises up from the Ecuadorian plains. AAI CollectionThis program offers you an opportunity to climb Chimborazo (20,703 ft / 6310 m), the highest peak in Ecuador and one of the great climbing goals for alpinists in the Andes. With glacier climbing skills and thorough acclimatization, you'll enjoy the experience of a small expedition on an immense and majestic peak.
- Location:Ecuadorian Andes
- Season:November - March, May - July
- Length:4 days following an Ecuador Skills Expedition (14 days total)
- Cost:$1350 ($5040 total for the 14-day program)
A group of AAI climbers attempt Cayembe to put the information learned during instruction into practice.Climb high altitude volcanoes in Ecuador! This program offers mountaineers two days of skills training before ascents of Cayambe (18,997 ft/5790m) and Cotopaxi (19,348 ft/5897m) by way of classic snow and ice routes. The skills training allows even novice climbers to access these beautiful alpine summits.
- Location:Ecuadorian Andes
- Season:November - March, May - July
- Length:10 days, or 14 with Chimborazo extension
- Cost:$3690 or $5040 with Chimborazo extension
Aconcagua's Polish Glacier descends from the summit diagonally right. Andy BourneStanding at a height of 22,842 feet (6962 meters), Aconcagua is the highest mountain in the Americas and the second highest of the Seven Summits. AAI offers both non-technical and technical climbing routes to the summit that avoid the most heavily used camps, preserving some of the wilderness experience of this massive peak.
- Location:Argentine Andes
- Season:December - February
- Length:21-days
- Cost:$7,150
Expedition camp on Toqllaraju. Andrew WexlerAscents of Nevado Urus Este (17,783 ft.), Ishinca (18,143 ft.), Toqllaraju (19,790 ft.) plus review of alpine climbing and glacier travel skills.
- Location:Cordillera Blanca, Peru
- Season:May - August
- Length:14 days or 20 days w/6 day extension for Chopicalqui
- Cost:Contact AAI Office for more details
On the summit of Chopicalqui. Many consider this to be the best view in the Cordillera Blanca. Andrew WexlerAscent of Chopicalqui (20,847 ft.) via the classic Southwest Ridge. Participation in Peru - Toqllaraju Sklls Expedition is required for thorough acclimatization.
- Location:Cordillera Blanca, Peru
- Season:May - August
- Length:6 days (not including acclimatization period)
- Cost:Contact AAI Office for more details
Evening at our 15,000' high camp on Pisco Oeste. Bill PearsonAfter acclimatizing during an ascent of Pisco Oeste (18,871 ft), teams attempt Nevado Huascaran (22,205 ft), the highest peak in Peru and one of the most imposing summits in the world.
- Location:Cordillera Blanca, Peru
- Season:June - July
- Length:14 days
- Cost:Contact AAI Office for more details
Alpamayo (left) and Artesonraju (right) from the summit of Pisco. Marco GabbinClimb Pisco (18,870') and the classic Southeast Face of Artesonraju (19,768') in the Cordillera Blanca of Peru.
- Location:Cordillera Blanca, Peru
- Season:July - August
- Length:17 days
- Cost:Contact AAI for details
Alpamayo with the North Ridge of the left skyline and the Southwest Face which we climb on the right. Leigh Ortenburger.The goal of this expedition is to climb the Southwest Face of Alpamayo (19,411ft), one of the most beautiful mountains in the world, rising several thousand feet from the valleys below in a near-perfect pyramid of snow and ice.
- Location:Cordillera Blanca, Peru
- Season:Currently unavailable
- Length:16 Days
- Cost:Contact AAI Office for more details
Machu Picchu. Dunham GoodingThis program explores the most important sites of the Inca Empire and Spanish colonization in the central Andes, with particular attention given to Machu Picchu, one of the most impressive accomplishments of an ancient civilization in the world.
- Location:Southeast Peru
- Season:May - August
- Length:3 days
- Cost:Contact AAI Office for Pricing
The expansive ice fields of Patagonia. Merlin LipshitzThe immense ice cap of southern Patagonia remains one of the least explored mountain areas in the world. The goal of this expedition is to traverse an eastern portion of the southern Patagonia Ice Cap then ascend Gorra Blanca in the process.
- Location:Patagonia (Argentina/Chile)
- Season:September-March
- Length:8-days
- Cost:Starting at $3950
Climbers enjoying the fantastic views during their Gorra Blanca Expedition. Merlin LipshitzA beautiful mountain on the eastern edge of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, an expedition to Gorra Blanca (9,514ft/2900m) provides some of the most fantastic views in the world of the third largest ice sheet on the planet.
- Location:Patagonia (Argentina/Chile)
- Season:September - March
- Length:5-Days
- Cost:Starting at $3950 for one climber; ratio pricing for additional climbers
The routes we climb are at basic and intermediate levels, but the peaks around us are among the most challenging in the world. Dunham GoodingThoroughly explore the Cerro Torre and Fitzroy massifs, view exotic wildlife from lakeside camps, climb to Marconi Pass, explore Glacier Torre, and ascend Cerro Marconi Norte and Cerro Velluda.
- Location:Southern Argentine Patagonia
- Season:November - February
- Length:13 days
- Cost:Contact AAI Office for more details
Kilimanjaro, as seen from Karangu Camp (13,000') on the Machame Route. Shawn OlsonKilimanjaro is among the most diverse and rewarding of the world's great climbs. This iconic peak provides the experience of a lifetime. Join us for a journey to the roof of Africa, experience local cultures, wildlife viewing, and a high altitude trek to the top of one of the most memorable of the Seven Summits.
- Location:Tanzania, East Africa
- Season:June - February
- Length:10 Days, Climb only; 13 Days, Climb and Safari
- Cost:$4950 Climb Only; $7975 Climb and Safari
Elbrus from Mt. Cheget. The highpoint on the left is the higher west summit. Guy CotterCrowning the great geographic and cultural divide between Europe and Asia, 18,510-foot Mt. Elbrus is one of the world's coveted "Seven Summits." The mountain is heavily glaciated, but its slopes are of moderate angle, making it a suitable climb for those with basic alpine skills and an interest in high altitude climbing. Added attractions on this expedition are the visit to Moscow and cultural experiences in the Caucasus.
- Location:Caucasus Range, Russia
- Season:May, July and August
- Length:11 to 14 days
- Cost:Starting at $6000
Climbers at the base of the Carstensz PyramidAt 16,024 feet tall, the Carstensz Pyramid is the expedition for climbers excited about ascending technical rock terrain that is unlike any of the other Seven Summits. Rising out of the heart of a jungle and flanked by glaciers, this peak is also the most remote of the Seven Summits and is the highest mountain in Indonesia and on the Australasian continental plate. This expedition offers an experience in a stunning environment that redefines adventure, as well as immersing climbers in the rich culture of Papua New Guinea.
- Location:Papua New Guinea
- Season:February-March, August-October
- Length:11 days
- Cost:$26,900
Mt. Vinson Base CampThe ascent of Mt. Vinson is not a technical one, nor is its altitude, at 16,050 ft (4892m) particularly challenging compared to the other Seven Summits. The peak's location in Antarctica's Sentinel Range, however, is where the challenge, and the reward lies. The Sentinel Range in the Ellsworth Mountains is the most remote on the world, and the weather conditions around the massif can be extreme--this is an expedition for those who desire to explore the majestic interior of Antarctica.
- Location:Ellsworth Mountains, Antarctica
- Season:November - January
- Length:16 days
- Cost:$52,000
High on Everest with Makalu in the background. Guy CotterThe joint American Alpine Institute Everest climb benefits from the combined experience of two of the world's leading pioneers in high-altitude guiding. The Institute brings the most extensive high altitude guiding record in the world to the guided expeditions with the highest success rate on Mt. Everest.
- Location:Khumbu Himalaya, Nepal
- Season:April - June
- Length:8-9 weeks
- Cost:$83,000
Climbing on the Southwest Ridge of Ama Dablam, 6828m / 22,402 ft. Guy CotterAma Dablam is one of the most beautiful and recognizable mountains in the world. Our classic line on the mountain's southwest ridge ascends sound rock and steep snow, with expansive views of Mt. Everest, Makalu, Cho Oyu and dozens of other incredible mountains. This is an incredible mountain in an incredible range of mountains and is not to be missed.
- Location:Khumbu Himal, Nepal
- Season:October - November
- Length:28 days
- Cost:$19,500
Cho Oyu from base camp near the Nangpa La.Cho Oyu is a perfect entrance to 8,000 meter mountaineering. Although Cho Oyu is the 6th highest mountain in the world, it is considered to be the most achievable of the 14 peaks. Climbers often use this peak as a platform to prepare for Everest, as well as to tick an 8,000m peak off their to-do list.
In addition to climbing in a spectacular setting, this expedition makes use of the time necessary to acclimatize with a tailored visit to Lhasa, the heart of Tibetan culture.
- Location:Tibet, China
- Season:September - October
- Length:45 days
- Cost:$48,500
Three Peaks Hooray! Steve MoffatThis expedition provides a fantastic introduction to Himalayan climbing, and a unique opportunity climb three classic high altitude peaks in one of the most spectacular settings in the world. This program takes you through rural Nepal, past Everest Basecamp to Lobuche East (20,075ft/6,119m), Pokalde (19,048ft/5,806m) and Island Peak (20,305ft/6,189m). All three provide exceptional climbing experiences in one of the most famous alpine settings in the world! This is an expedition achievable to those newer to climbing but who have a desire to adventure in the highest mountains.
- Location:Khumbu Himal, Nepal
- Season:November - December
- Length:26 days
- Cost:$9,900
Lamoshe, on the right, means "Goddess Peak" and is the highest objective in this sub-range of the Daxue Shan range. Andy BourneBring your expedition climbing skills to a remote part of China and climb Lamoshe (19,915 ft). This unique program revives the adventuresome spirit of climbing, taking us into a range of major peaks that have escaped attention by western climbers. The region is remote. The mountains are big. And the adventure has a similar feel to the adventure endured by early mountain explorers.
- Location:Sichuan, China
- Season:September - October
- Length:13 days
- Cost:Starting at $13,995
Monks of the Kangding Monastery during their morning sutras. Guy Sgan CohenClimb 20,050-foot Reddomaine and visit an ancient monastery in remote Sichuan. The American Alpine Institute made the second ascent of this scenic and challenging mountain in 2006. Since then it has only seen a few additional ascents. This is a remote and wildly adventurous setting that harkens back to the root of modern alpinism.
- Location:Sichuan, China
- Season:October
- Length:17 days
- Cost:Starting at $14,995