Half Day Morning Buggy Tour in Teide National Park

If you’re looking to add a splash of adventure to your Tenerife trip, a Half Day Morning Buggy Tour through Teide National Park could be just the ticket. We’ve come across this experience and wanted to share what it entails—whether it’s worth your time and money, and what you can expect along the way.

What caught our attention? First, the stunning scenery—driving through landscapes that range from lush pine forests to volcanic craters is pretty special, especially with panoramic views of Spain’s highest volcano. Second, the ease of organization, including hotel pickup and the flexibility to enjoy the ride without the hassle of planning every detail yourself.

On the flip side, one thing to consider is that this tour is a shorter experience, clocking in at about 3 hours, including travel time. If you’re craving a full-day adventure, this might feel a bit rushed. Also, keep in mind that the price includes the buggy rental and transportation, but if you want photos of your ride, that’ll cost extra.

This tour suits those who want a quick, fun way to see Tenerife’s volcanic heart with a dash of adrenaline. It’s especially good if you enjoy driving or want a more active way to explore, rather than just sightseeing from a bus or on foot.

Key Points

• Stunning Views: The tour offers panoramic vistas of Teide, Pico Viejo, and even La Gomera on clear days.
• Accessible and Organized: Includes hotel pickup, making logistics easier for travelers staying in popular areas.
• Varied Stops: Three key viewpoints—Mirador Los Poleos, Pico Viejo, and Mount Teide—each showcasing unique volcanic landscapes.
• Short But Sweet: Around 3 hours total, making it perfect for a quick adventure.
• Extra Costs for Photos: You can buy photos taken during the ride for an additional €25.
• Limited Group Size: Max of 12 travelers, so you’ll get a more personal experience.

The Experience: What to Expect from the Tour

This buggy tour really packs a lot into just a few hours. The adventure starts in Guía de Isora, where you’ll meet your guide, get geared up with gloves, jackets, and eye masks, and hop into your sturdy buggy. The driver needs a valid license and must be at least 22 years old—so make sure you’re prepared with the right documentation.

Pickup and Logistics

The experience offers free pickup from Los Cristianos, Playa San Juan, and other areas, which is a huge plus—no need to worry about arranging transport. The tour generally lasts around three hours, including the pick-up and drop-off time, so plan your day accordingly.

First Stop: Mirador Los Poleos

Your first quick stop is at Mirador Los Poleos, a quiet lookout point where you’ll be greeted with expansive views of Tenerife and La Gomera, often appearing like a floating island. It’s a perfect spot for photos and to soak in the fresh, volcanic air in peaceful surroundings. Reviews highlight how untouched the scenery feels here, with no crowds and a sense of tranquility. Expect about 30 minutes to enjoy this quiet, scenic start.

Second Stop: Pico Viejo

Next, you’ll head to the Pico Viejo viewpoint. This spot sits at the edge of a volcanic crater and is steeped in history—it’s where one of Tenerife’s most notable eruptions began back in 1798. The views from here include layers of cooled lava, interesting rock formations, and vivid soil colors. On clear days, you might even see the other islands in the Canary chain. This stop also lasts about 30 minutes, with travelers noting how impressive the landscape is, even in this brief visit.

Third Stop: Mount Teide

Finally, you’ll arrive at Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak. Standing at the mountain’s base, you’re surrounded by an almost otherworldly terrain—frozen lava flows, strange volcanic formations, and a landscape that looks almost lunar. The silence here is striking, and the view of the towering volcano is breathtaking. The short stop allows you to appreciate the scale and beauty of this natural wonder, providing excellent photo opportunities.

The Descent & Final Touches

After the sightseeing, you’ll descend back to Guía de Isora, where the tour concludes. Here, many travelers enjoy relaxing with some Tapas and drinks while reviewing their photos, which can be purchased separately for €25. The overall experience combines the thrill of driving with the serenity of volcanic landscapes and the chance to learn some of Tenerife’s volcanic history.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

We loved the variety of scenery—from lush pine forests to lava fields—and the fact that you get to drive your own buggy, which feels more like an adventure than just sightseeing. Reviews from travelers like Tamlyn highlight how straightforward the booking process was and how much fun they had driving the buggies, describing them as “fantastically noisy and great fun to drive.”

Another point worth mentioning is the view of La Gomera from Mirador Los Poleos—on clear days, you get a beautiful, almost tropical backdrop against the volcanic terrain, which adds a special touch to the experience.

The stops at Pico Viejo and Mount Teide are particularly well-rated. They offer a genuine glimpse into Tenerife’s volcanoes—views that are often described as “unforgettable” and “breathtaking,” according to reviews.

One reviewer also pointed out how convenient the pick-up service was, removing the stress of organizing transport on your own, especially if you’re staying in busy resort areas.

Analyzing the Value

At €218.64 for up to 2 people, the price may seem a bit steep, but considering it includes private transportation, a guided buggy experience, and gloves/jackets, it’s reasonably priced for a short, immersive activity. The optional photos add a nice keepsake, especially if you want to remember the adventure but aren’t a fan of selfie-style shots.

The tour’s limited group size (max 12 travelers) means you won’t be crowded, and you’ll likely get more personalized attention. Plus, the easy booking process and flexible cancellation policy (full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance) make it a practical choice.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

Adventure lovers and those looking for a unique way to see Tenerife’s volcanic landscapes will find this enjoyable. It’s also suitable for travelers who like self-guided driving experiences and want to avoid long hikes or crowded bus tours. Given the focus on scenic viewpoints and the short duration, it’s ideal for a half-day activity—especially if you’re staying nearby or want to combine it with other sightseeing.

This tour isn’t designed for families with very young children or anyone unable to drive a buggy, as it requires a valid license and some physical activity. However, older teens with driving permits might enjoy it too.

FAQs

Do I need a driving license?
Yes, the driver must have a valid license, and they need to be at least 22 years old.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour requires driving a buggy, so it’s best suited for adults or teenagers with driving permits. Children who are not old enough to drive will need to be accompanied by an adult, but check with the provider for specific age restrictions.

What should I wear?
Comfortable closed shoes are mandatory, and the tour provides jackets, gloves, and eye masks if needed. It’s recommended to dress in layers, especially in cooler months.

How long does the tour last?
Including pickup and drop-off, it takes about 3 hours. The actual driving and sightseeing stops are around 1.5 hours total.

Can I buy photos of the tour?
Yes, photos are available for €25, and they are usually taken during the ride or at scenic stops.

What is included in the tour?
Private transportation, soda, gloves, eye masks, and jackets are included. The photos are extra.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins in Guía de Isora and ends back at the same point.

Is this activity good in all weather?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you can reschedule or get a full refund.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Final Thoughts

This buggy tour offers a great way to experience Tenerife’s volcanic landscape with a dash of adventure. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy driving, want convenient logistics, and are excited by panoramic views. While it’s a shorter experience, the stops at iconic viewpoints and the thrill of driving into the volcanic terrain make it memorable.

If you’re after a fun, scenic, and slightly adrenaline-fueled activity, this tour could be a highlight of your Tenerife trip. Just be prepared for the costs if you want photos, and make sure you’re comfortable with driving a buggy. For a manageable half-day adventure that combines nature, fun, and fantastic photo ops, it checks many boxes.

Happy travels! Feel free to ask questions or share your own experiences if you decide to go on this buggy tour in Tenerife.