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:Currently unavailable
- Length:17 days or 10 days without acclimatization trek
- Cost:Contact AAI Office for more details
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:Currently unavailable
- Length:18 days
- Cost:Contact AAI Office for more details
AAI climbers ascending the 16,000' ridge on Denali's West Buttress. Photo: George BiekerWe've been climbing Denali (formerly known as Mt. McKinley) since 1980 and have an outstanding record of safety and summit success. This guided expedition to climb the West Buttress, following an ingenious and beautiful route pioneered by Bradford Washburn in 1951, is one of the great mountaineering experiences.
- Location:Alaska Range
- Season:May - June
- Length:21 days
- Cost:2024 - $11,995 (Book for 2025 at this rate until August 1, 2024)
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.With two days of skills instruction, those with little technical climbing experience have the opportunity to ascend Cayambe (18,997 ft) and Cotopaxi (19,348 ft) by way of classic snow and ice routes.
- 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:Call for Details
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 - August
- Length:11 to 14 days
- Cost:Starts at €4200
North side of Carstensz Pyramid from the air. Hall and Ball archive - Hedgehog HouseOur principal goal on this expedition is to ascend 16,024-foot Carstensz Pyramid – also known as Puncak Jaya – the highest peak in Indonesia and on the Australasian continental plate. Our secondary goal is to experience the rich cultural and natural environment of Papua New Guinea.
- Location:Papua New Guinea
- Season:November - March, August
- Length:11 days (fly in / fly out)
- Cost:$26,900
Ascending the icefall between Camps 2 and 3 on Mt. Vinson. Guy CotterThe ascent of Mt. Vinson, also known as Vinson Massif, is not a technical one, and its altitude challenge, at 16,067 ft (4,892 m), is moderate. But because of the peak's location in Antarctica's Ellsworth Mountains, the coldest and most remote range in the world, it can be a very challenging and rewarding climb.
- Location:Ellsworth Mountains, Antarctica
- Season:November - January
- Length:16 days
- Cost:$44,250
High on Everest with Makalu in the background. Guy CotterThe joint American Alpine Institute /AC 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:$69,000
Climbing on the Southwest Ridge of Ama Dablam, 6828m / 22,402 ft. Guy CotterAma Dablam is one of the most beautiful mountains in the world, and our route on its Southwest Ridge has a technical quality that matches its aesthetics.
- Location:Khumbu Himal, Nepal
- Season:October - November
- Length:28 days
- Cost:$15,500
Cho Oyu from base camp near the Nangpa La. Arthur CollinsCho Oyu offers climbers the unique chance to climb a very high peak with moderate technical difficulties. A climb of Cho Oyu makes a great precursor for higher harder climbs elsewhere in the Himalaya.
- Location:Mahalangur Himal, Nepal
- Season:August - October
- Length:44 days
- Cost:$33,750
On the spectacular summit ridge of Island Peak. AAI CollectionA fantastic introduction to Himalayan climbing, and a unique opportunity to climb three classic 20,000-foot peaks in a relatively short time, in one of the most spectacular settings in the world.
- Location:Khumbu Himal, Nepal
- Season:November - December
- Length:26 days
- Cost:$7,800
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.
- Location:Sichuan, China
- Season:September - October
- Length:13 days
- Cost:$8900 for 6:3
Monks of the Kangding Monastery during their morning sutras. Guy Sgan CohenClimb 20,050-foot Reddomaine and visit an ancient monastery in remote Sichuan. Experience AAI's unmatched expertise and impeccable logistics in China.
- Location:Sichuan, China
- Season:October
- Length:17 days
- Cost:$11,639 for 4:2