Teide road bike climb from PdC

If you’re a cycling fan eyeing a serious challenge in Tenerife, the Teide road bike climb from Puerto de la Cruz is a route that’s hard to ignore. This guided tour promises an adventure packed with breathtaking scenery, expert guides, and an epic ascent up one of Europe’s longest consecutive climb routes. For those who love pushing their limits while soaking in incredible landscapes, this trip could be a highlight of your trip.

What we really appreciate about this experience is the way it combines world-class cycling terrain with the comfort of having a knowledgeable guide show you the way. Plus, the views are truly spectacular — from coastal vistas to the surreal volcanic landscapes near the summit. On the flip side, the climb is long (44 km, averaging 5%), so it’s definitely not for the faint of heart or casual cyclists.

This tour suits those with a good level of fitness who want to challenge themselves and explore Tenerife’s natural beauty from a unique vantage point. It’s not ideal for absolute beginners or those unaccustomed to long climbs, but if you’re looking for an authentic, well-supported cycling experience, this is a solid pick.

Key Points

• Challenging but rewarding: The route covers 44 km with a steady climb, making it suitable for experienced cyclists.
• Spectacular scenery: Expect views of forests, coastlines, small villages, and otherworldly volcanic landscapes.
• Small-group intimacy: With a maximum of five riders, you get personalized attention and a more relaxed vibe.
• Expert guidance: Guides are highly knowledgeable, providing safety, local insights, and encouragement.
• All-in-one experience: Includes bottled water, guide service, and the convenience of a seamless route — no map reading required.
• Great value for the price: At around $82 per person, it’s a well-rounded adventure that balances cost and quality.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Starting Point: Puerto de la Cruz

The tour kicks off in Puerto de la Cruz, a charming seaside town with lush surroundings and vibrant streets. Your guide will meet you at Ride Base Tenerife, where bikes are prepared and fitted. This is a good moment to get comfortable with your equipment and ask any last-minute questions. Reviewers have praised the staff for their professionalism and helpfulness, with one noting how they “set the bikes up really well” and even delivered bikes directly to their hotel.

The Coastal and Village Route

The first part of the ride is a scenic journey through small villages, lush forests, and coastal viewpoints. These sections allow you to ease into the climb while taking in sights like Puerto de la Cruz’s bay and the Atlantic Ocean stretching to the horizon. Many riders mention how this initial stretch is a perfect way to warm up and enjoy Tenerife’s natural beauty.

The Long Climb: 44 km of Steady Effort

Once you hit the 11 km point before reaching Teide National Park, the real challenge begins. The climb averages about 5%, which might not sound steep, but the distance makes it physically demanding. Riders have described it as “long and hard,” but those who complete it often say it’s worth every ounce of effort for the views and sense of achievement.

One reviewer highlighted that “it’s a serious climb,” but also said the landscape becomes more raw and almost alien-like as you ascend. The last 11 kilometers are especially stunning, passing through the park where volcanic terrain looks almost like the surface of Mars. During this stretch, you’ll cross areas that seem entirely different from the lush coastal start.

Reaching Teide National Park

At the top, just below the cable car station, the scenery shifts dramatically. Expect panoramic views of the volcanic surroundings and the chance to snap photos of the surreal landscape. Many describe this view as “breathtaking,” and it’s a moment that rewards your effort.

The Descent and Return

After a well-deserved break, the tour takes you down the same route back to Puerto de la Cruz. Descents can be just as exhilarating as climbs, especially on well-maintained bikes and with guided support.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour package costs around $82 per person, which is pretty reasonable considering it includes a guided route, bottled water, and the expertise of local guides. Notably, helmets are not included in the price, so if you don’t have your own, it’s worth bringing or renting one locally.

While the price covers the guiding and water, lunch is not included, so plan to bring some snacks or plan for a meal after the ride. Bicycle use is also not included in the fee, but the excellent reviews suggest bikes are well-maintained and tailored to your needs.

Additional Perks

• Small-group size (maximum of 5 riders) ensures personalized attention
• Guides like Jesper and Alberto are praised for their local knowledge, encouragement, and professionalism
• Flexible start options, with bikes delivered to your accommodation if needed

The Experience on the Ground

Most reviews agree that the guides make a huge difference — their ability to keep everyone safe, motivated, and informed is clear. One reviewer called Jesper an “A-class guide,” noting how he balanced safety with keeping the group motivated. Many mention how helpful guides are with bike fitting, route advice, and providing timely encouragement.

Cyclists also love the variety of scenery — from forests and villages to the lunar-like landscapes near the summit. The landscapes are so diverse that many feel like they’re riding through different planets, which adds an almost surreal element to the experience.

The support and professionalism from Ride Base Tenerife are often highlighted, with customers praising their bike quality, customer service, and willingness to go the extra mile, like delivering bikes or helping with gear.

Riding E-Bikes vs. Traditional Bikes

While most reviews focus on traditional bikes, some riders opt for e-bikes, especially if tackling the long climb seems daunting. Many testers agree that e-bikes make the ascent more accessible and enjoyable, especially for riders with less endurance but still wanting a challenge.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This ride is best suited for cyclists with good physical fitness and some experience with long climbs. If you’re new to mountain cycling or haven’t tackled such distances before, you might find the effort quite demanding. The tour’s steep terrain and length mean it’s ideal for endurance athletes or confident recreational cyclists.

It’s not a casual ride — expect a serious workout, but one that’s balanced with incredible scenery and expert guidance. Families with older, experienced children could consider it, but it’s definitely geared more towards adults and seasoned cyclists.

Final Thoughts

This guided Teide climb from Puerto de la Cruz offers an authentic, challenging experience with stunning scenery and expert support. The combination of long-distance effort, diverse landscapes, and professional guides makes it a memorable adventure for any serious cyclist visiting Tenerife.

For those who want to push their limits while enjoying the island’s natural beauty, this ride hits all the right notes. The honest reviews from past riders reinforce that this is a top-tier cycling experience, especially if you’re prepared for the physical challenge.

If you’re after a meaningful, scenic, and well-supported climb that takes you through some of Tenerife’s most impressive landscapes, this tour is worth considering. It’s a day that will test your endurance and reward you with one of the most beautiful vistas the island has to offer.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Not quite. This ride involves a long, steady climb of 44 km with an average 5% incline, so it’s best for cyclists with a good fitness level and some experience with long climbs.

Are helmets included?
No, helmets are not included in the price, so if you don’t have your own, you’ll want to bring one or rent locally.

How long does the ride take?
The entire experience lasts about 5 to 6 hours, including stops, the climb, and the descent.

What’s the minimum group size?
The tour operates with a maximum of five riders, ensuring a more personalized experience.

What should I bring?
Bring your own snacks, sun protection, and comfortable cycling gear. Bottled water is provided. If you prefer, bring your own helmet and any personal bike accessories.

Can I do this ride on an e-bike?
Yes, some riders opt for e-bikes to help with the tough climb. Many find it makes the ascent more manageable without losing the sense of adventure.

If you’re ready for a true cycling challenge with unforgettable views, this guided ride up Teide should be on your Tenerife list. Just make sure you’re prepared for the physical effort, and you’re set for a day of spectacular scenery and achievement.