Half Day Family Buggy Teide Nacional Park Morning or Sunset

Exploring Tenerife’s Volcanoes by Buggy: A Closer Look at the Half Day Family Buggy Teide National Park Tour

If you’re eyeing something a bit more adventurous during your Tenerife trip, a buggy tour of Teide National Park might catch your attention. This experience promises a lively ride through volcanic landscapes, stunning viewpoints, and a taste of local nature, all wrapped into about 3 to 4 hours. It’s a popular choice for those wanting to add a dash of excitement to their sightseeing, and it’s especially appealing if you’re traveling with a group or family craving a bit of off-the-beaten-path fun.

What we really like about this tour is the opportunity to hop into a brand-new, high-quality buggy—these are some of the best on the market—offering a safe yet exhilarating way to see the park. Plus, with included hydration, pizza, and gear like gloves, eye masks, and jackets, it’s designed to keep you comfortable while exploring. On the flip side, the price is on the higher side for what’s essentially a short ride combined with a few stops, which seems to be a sticking point for some travelers.

This tour would suit those who enjoy scenic drives, wildlife spotting, and learning a bit about Tenerife’s volcanic history. It’s likely not ideal if you’re after in-depth guided commentary or a very long day of sightseeing, but if a fun, quick adventure with some incredible views sounds good, you’ll find this meets those needs well.

Key Points

• High-Quality Equipment: The use of top-notch buggies and protective gear enhances safety and comfort.
• Interesting Stops: Scenic viewpoints like Mirador Los Poleos, Pico Viejo, and Mount Teide offer a variety of landscapes and photo opportunities.
• Food and Hydration: Included pizza and beverages help keep everyone fueled, especially important during the sunny, active parts of the tour.
• Flexible Options: Available morning or sunset, so you can choose the time that suits your schedule or preferred atmosphere.
• Family-Friendly Aspects: While geared mainly towards groups, drivers must have a valid license and wear closed shoes, so not suitable for very young children.
• Mixed Review Scores: While many love the views and quick stops, some find the experience unorganized and a bit overpriced for what’s delivered.

The Nuts and Bolts of the Buggy Tour

This 3 to 4-hour adventure is designed to give you a lively way to see some of Tenerife’s top volcanic sights with a touch of adrenaline. It begins with a pick-up from Los Cristianos, with options to be collected from Playa San Juan or other areas for an extra fee. Once onboard, you’ll be equipped with gloves, eye masks, jackets, and safety instructions—crucial for protecting yourself on the bumpy, scenic roads.

The actual driving experience hinges on a new, top-quality buggy, which means you’re getting safe, reliable machinery that can handle challenging terrain, reaching heights of up to 2200 meters above sea level. The guided tour includes visits to some of the most iconic viewpoints and landmarks in the park, such as Mirador Los Poleos, Pico Viejo, and Mount Teide itself.

The Stops: A Closer Look

Mirador de los Poleos is the first stop, offering sweeping views of La Gomera. This spot is often overlooked by travelers, making it a real hidden gem. The scenery here—rugged volcanic terrain mixed with lush pine forests—is just stunning, especially on clear days when you can see neighboring islands floating across the Atlantic. The view of La Gomera is iconic, often with a gentle breeze that makes your photo ops even better.

Pico Viejo is the next highlight, a massive volcanic crater with a history dating back to a significant eruption in 1798. Standing here, you get a visceral sense of Tenerife’s fiery past, with layers of lava and unusual rock formations. From this vantage point, you can see the colorful volcanic soil and the rugged landscape stretching out in every direction. If the weather cooperates, you might even catch distant views of the coast and neighboring islands.

Mount Teide, the highest peak in Spain, is the final stop. Being at the base of this spectacular volcano is truly remarkable; the landscape looks almost lunar, with frozen lava flows and strange rock formations. From here, you can appreciate the scale of this giant—its 3,715 meters towering above you—and marvel at the dramatic terrain shaped by centuries of eruptions. It’s a landscape that photographically can’t be beaten.

The Experience, the Good & the Not-So-Good

What really makes this tour stand out are the views and the sense of adventure. “We loved the way the buggy allowed us to cover a lot of ground quickly and comfortably,” one traveler mentioned. The included pizza and beverages are practical perks, providing a quick fuel-up without extra hassle, which is particularly helpful if you’re visiting during the warmer months or with kids.

However, some reviews point out drawbacks. One traveler labeled the experience as “disappointing,” citing a lack of organization and feeling that the tour was overpriced. They mentioned that the visit to the viewpoint was quite brief, with only about an hour spent there before heading back, and some found the overall flow a bit confusing. It’s worth bearing in mind that, if you’re hoping for a highly structured, in-depth tour, this might not fully meet those expectations.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re craving a fun, energetic way to explore Tenerife’s volcanic landscape, this buggy tour is a good pick. It’s particularly suited for groups or families with drivers who have a valid license and are comfortable in an outdoor setting. The inclusion of scenic viewpoints, wildlife sightings, and a quick stop at Mount Teide ensures you get a variety of landscapes without feeling rushed.

Keep in mind that the cost might feel high for some, especially given the short stops and limited guided commentary. But if you’re after an active, picture-worthy experience with a little bit of thrill, this could be just right.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This buggy tour offers a dynamic way to see some of Tenerife’s most impressive natural sights. The scenic stops are genuinely beautiful, and the drive itself is a highlight for adventure lovers. The included amenities—like pizza and drinks—are a thoughtful touch that keeps things casual and comfortable.

However, it’s fair to say that some travelers have found the experience a bit unorganized and overpriced for what’s delivered. If you’re someone who values a very detailed or extensive tour, this might not be your ideal choice. But for those wanting a quick, fun, and scenic outing with a bit of adrenaline, it’s likely to check most boxes.

All in all, this tour is best suited for those who want a memorable, active way to take in Tenerife’s volcanic beauty, especially if you’re okay with shorter stops and a flexible schedule. It’s a solid pick if you’re traveling with a group or family and crave some fun behind the wheel of a robust buggy, with the stunning backdrop of Mount Teide and neighboring islands providing the perfect scenery.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
This experience is generally geared towards groups with drivers holding a valid license and requires closed shoes. It’s not explicitly marketed as family-friendly, so very young children or those unable to drive may find it less suitable.

What is included in the price?
The cost covers private transportation, the use of high-quality gear like gloves, eye masks, jackets, and beverages, along with pizza for lunch.

Can I choose between morning and sunset?
Yes, the tour is offered at both times, so you can opt for a morning adventure or a sunset experience, depending on your schedule and preference.

How long does each stop last?
Each major stop—Mirador Los Poleos, Pico Viejo, and Mount Teide—is approximately 30 minutes long, making the entire experience around 3 to 4 hours total.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

Do I need a special license to drive?
Yes, the driver must have a valid driving license.

Are photos allowed?
Photos can be taken freely, but there is a mention of a €25 charge if you’d like a professional photoshoot during the tour.

How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers book around 83 days beforehand, so it’s a good idea to reserve early, especially during peak seasons.

Overall, if you’re looking for an engaging way to see Tenerife’s volcanic landscapes with a mix of adventure and comfort, this buggy tour offers a memorable experience. Just keep your expectations aligned with the reviews, and you’ll likely enjoy the ride.