Buggy or Quad Tour Volcano Teide in Teide National Park

Exploring Tenerife’s Volcano Teide on a Buggy or Quad Tour

If you’re looking for an active way to see some of Tenerife’s most striking scenery, a Buggy or Quad Tour to Volcano Teide might catch your eye. While I haven’t personally taken this tour, I’ve gone through the details, reviews, and what you can realistically expect. It’s a semi-adventurous option that blends the thrill of driving your own vehicle with the natural beauty of the island’s volcanic landscapes.

What really appeals here is the chance to drive your own ATV or buggy, giving you a sense of freedom and hands-on fun. Plus, the tour includes door-to-door pickup and drop-off, which means you don’t need to stress about transportation, especially if you’re staying in popular spots like Los Cristianos or Costa Adeje. On the flip side, the price—around $160 for a group of two—might seem steep for some, especially considering the brief duration and the overall simplicity of the experience.

This tour is likely best suited for those who enjoy active outdoor experiences, want a personalized small-group vibe, and are comfortable with driving an ATV (a valid license is a must). It’s ideal if you’re craving a mix of adventure, scenic viewpoints, and a taste of Tenerife’s volcanic terrain, but perhaps not if you’re after a comprehensive, in-depth exploration of the island’s cultural or geological history.

Key Points

• Personalized Experience: Small groups (up to 6) mean more attention from guides and a more intimate adventure.
• Scenic Routes: Pass by charming villages and iconic landmarks like Pino Gordo and Roques de García.
• Great Views: Several panoramic viewpoints allow for plenty of photo opportunities.
• Drive Your Own ATV: Requires a valid driver’s license, adding a real sense of adventure.
• Duration & Flexibility: About 4 hours, with hotel pickup included – good for a half-day outing.
• Limited Depth: Explanations are brief, and cars might be a bit dirty, according to reviews, which might affect the overall experience.

The Itinerary: What to Expect on the Day

Starting Point and Welcome

The tour kicks off with a friendly welcome and a briefing from the experienced guide. This is your chance to ask questions, get familiar with the vehicle, and understand safety tips. The start point is in Costa Adeje, with pickup arranged from certain areas like Los Cristianos, so it’s quite convenient if you’re staying nearby.

Journey into Teide National Park

After setting off, you’ll leave behind the coastal resorts and venture into the lush and volcanic landscapes of the interior. The drive is comfortable, winding through scenic roads that gradually ascend into Teide National Park. The landscape changes noticeably along the way—from pine forests to surreal volcanic terrain—giving you a tangible sense of the island’s geological story.

Panoramic Viewpoints and Landmarks

Throughout the drive, you’ll stop at several viewpoints, including Mirador de Los Poleos, where the views are particularly impressive on clear days. These stops aren’t just photo ops; they’re moments to take a breather and soak in the sweeping vistas of the island’s rugged beauty.

The Main Highlight: Volcano Teide

The tour’s star is undoubtedly Volcano Teide, Spain’s highest peak. While the tour doesn’t include climbing the volcano itself, the visit to Teide’s vicinity is enough to give you a real sense of its power and scale. You’ll have time to explore, snap photos, and appreciate the landscape that makes Tenerife unique.

Exploring the Surrounding Area

Apart from the volcano, the route passes through charming villages like Valaflor and the impressive Pino Gordo, a giant pine tree that’s a local landmark. The guide might share brief insights about these sites, though the reviews suggest explanations can be somewhat rushed.

End of the Tour

Your adventure wraps up back at the start point, completing approximately four hours of active sightseeing. The small group size ensures a relaxed atmosphere where you can chat with the guide and fellow travelers.

The Real Deal: What Travelers Are Saying

Reviewers generally find the experience enjoyable, with some highlighting the stunning landscapes and the friendly, optimistic guides. In particular, one reviewer appreciated the guide’s pleasant demeanor, describing them as patient and likable. Others loved the chance to drive their own ATV, which adds a real thrill to the trip.

However, some noticeable downsides crop up. For example, one reviewer mentioned that cars were dirty and explanations brief, which might leave those craving detailed insights a bit dissatisfied. The overall rating hovers around 3.3 to 3.5 out of 5, reflecting a mixed but generally positive sentiment.

Authentic Feedback Highlights:

• “The place is amazing for its landscape. The guide is very optimistic, pleasant, patient and likeable,” says Mait_L.
• Yannick_P raved, “Our guide Thomas showed us amazing spots and made the trip really great.”
• On the downside, the cars being dirty and the explanations feeling brief could detract from the experience, especially for those who prefer a more informative tour.

Pricing and Value

At around $160 per group, this tour isn’t the cheapest option for a four-hour adventure, but it includes hotel pickup and drop-off, which adds convenience. For those who love outdoor activities and want a personalized experience with an experienced guide, this cost is reasonable, especially considering the small-group setting.

Keep in mind that professional photos are available for purchase after the tour, which might be worthwhile if you want to preserve your adventure in pictures. Remember, driving an ATV requires a valid driver’s license, which is an important safety and legal consideration.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience suits adventurous travelers who are comfortable driving their own vehicle and enjoy scenic outdoor pursuits. It’s perfect if you want a half-day, active exploration of Tenerife’s volcanic scenery without the need for extensive hiking or long tours.

Families with older children might enjoy it, provided they meet driving requirements, but it’s mainly geared toward those seeking a personalized, thrill-seeking outing. If you’re after a detailed geological or historical tour, this might not satisfy that curiosity, as explanations are more cursory.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after an exciting way to see Tenerife’s volcanic landscapes, this buggy or quad tour offers a blend of adventure and sightseeing in a small-group setting. The highlight is undoubtedly the visit to Volcano Teide and the panoramic viewpoints, making it a memorable half-day outing.

While it might not satisfy those craving in-depth explanations or polished vehicles, the experience’s beauty and the thrill of driving your own ATV make it a worthwhile choice for many. Just keep in mind that it’s a relatively quick trip, so if your time is limited or you’re seeking a more comprehensive tour, you might want to explore other options.

In all, if you love outdoor activities, scenic drives, and small-group adventures, this tour delivers a solid taste of Tenerife’s natural wonderland. Just be ready for some dust, brief explanations, and plenty of stunning views.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour requires drivers to have a valid license, so it’s best for teenagers or adults. Children can probably join as passengers if allowed by the provider, but that’s not explicitly mentioned.

Do I need a driver’s license?
Yes, a valid driver’s license is necessary to drive the ATV or buggy.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 4 hours, including pickup, driving, stops, and returning to the meeting point.

Is pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers pickup and drop-off in Los Cristianos and Costa Adeje, making it more convenient.

What’s the price?
It costs around $160.91 per group (up to 2 people), which covers the vehicle, guide, insurance, and transportation.

Are the vehicles comfortable?
According to reviews, the cars are sometimes described as “dirty,” which might affect your comfort level.

Can I buy photos after the tour?
Yes, professional photos can be purchased post-tour if you want to keep memories.

What stops do we make?
Stops at panoramic viewpoints like Mirador de Los Poleos, and visits to landmarks like Pino Gordo and Roques de García.

Is the tour suitable for larger groups?
It’s designed for small groups, with a maximum of 6 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

What weather conditions are needed?
The experience is weather-dependent—if canceled due to poor weather, you can reschedule or get a full refund.

Ready to enjoy a drive through Tenerife’s volcanic scenery? Just remember to bring your license, and maybe a camera for those incredible views.