Tenerife: Buggy Sunset Tour Teide National Park Lunar Land

Exploring Tenerife’s Breathtaking Landscape on the Buggy Sunset Tour

If you’re looking for a way to see Tenerife’s volcanic scenery from a different angle, the Buggy Sunset Tour through Teide National Park might just be what you need. We haven’t personally done it (yet), but from what we gather, it’s a popular choice for travelers wanting an active, scenic, and somewhat off-the-beaten-path experience.

What really makes this tour shine are the stunning panoramic views and the exciting ride through mountain paths and volcanic terrain. Plus, the knowledgeable guides seem to make all the difference, sharing insights about the island’s geological features and history. On the flip side, it’s a relatively short adventure—about three hours—and it requires some basic safety gear, like a driver’s license and closed shoes, which is worth keeping in mind if you’re planning for a relaxed day.

This tour suits those who love a mix of adventure and scenery, especially if you’re eager to see Teide’s lunar-like landscapes at sunset. Families with older children or adults looking for a memorable, active experience will likely enjoy it most. If you prefer a laid-back, all-inclusive sightseeing trip, you might want to explore other options. But if you’re after a thrill with a side of extraordinary views, this could be just right.

Key Points

• Stunning Views: The tour offers panoramic vistas of La Gomera and other islands, especially at Mirador Los Poleos.
• Geological Wonders: Stops at Pico Viejo and Mount Teide showcase volcanic landscapes and lava fields.
• Expert Guides: Reviews highlight the friendly, knowledgeable guides who make the experience enjoyable.
• Inclusive: Transportation, snacks, and safety gear are included, adding convenience.
• Short & Sweet: At around 3 hours, it’s a compact but immersive experience.
• Good for Adventure Seekers: Suitable for able-bodied travelers with a valid driver’s license and closed shoes.

The Experience: What’s It Really Like?

Starting Point in Guía de Isora

The adventure kicks off in Guía de Isora, a charming town on the southwest coast of Tenerife. The tour includes pick-up and drop-off from Los Cristianos and Playa San Juan, which is super convenient if you’re staying in those areas. They also offer help with pickups from other locations for an extra fee, so it’s worth asking if you’re staying outside the main zone.

Once you’re aboard, the journey immediately feels more exciting—your driver, who must be at least 22 years old with a valid license, takes you along scenic routes toward the mountain. You’ll be supplied with safety gear like gloves, an eyes mask, and a jacket—important for the cooler temperatures at higher elevations.

The Buggies and the Ride

The buggies themselves look like a fun, open-air way to experience Tenerife’s rugged landscape. They’re easy to handle, even for those with little off-road experience, but a bit of enthusiasm is definitely encouraged. The drive to Teide National Park offers scenic views along mountain paths, making the journey an adventure in itself.

Participants have raved about how friendly and interactive the guides are. As one traveler mentioned, “Ricardo was amazing, very friendly, knowledgeable and interactive,” which makes a big difference, especially if you’re new to buggy riding. Expect some moments of thrill and awe as you navigate mountain trails and volcanic terrain.

Stop 1: Mirador Los Poleos

The first stop is the Mirador Los Poleos, a quiet spot that offers some of the best views Tenerife has to offer. You’ll spend about 30 minutes here, taking in panoramic sights of La Gomera, which often appears floating on the Atlantic, and sometimes even El Hierro or La Palma on clear days.

Travelers raved about how peaceful and photogenic this spot is, with one noting, “Every angle is photogenic—sea, silhouette of La Gomera, rolling hills of Tenerife.” It’s the perfect place to snap some memorable photos without crowds, since this viewpoint remains fairly tucked away.

Stop 2: Pico Viejo

Next, the tour takes you to Pico Viejo, a massive volcanic crater that played a role in Tenerife’s eruptive history, dating back to 1798. It’s a quick stop but packed with impressive views of lava fields, layered volcanic rock, and the vivid colors of the soil—reds, blacks, ochres.

One reviewer described it as “a surreal experience,” emphasizing how close you get to the volcanic features and the silence that envelops the area. From the crater, you get sweeping views over the park and, on clear days, can spot neighboring islands like La Gomera or La Palma in the distance.

Stop 3: Mount Teide

The grand finale is a visit to Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak. Standing at the base of Teide, which towers at 3,715 meters, is an awe-inspiring moment. You’ll walk around the surreal volcanic landscape dotted with lava flows and strange rock formations.

Although the stop is only about 30 minutes, it’s enough to capture the scale of this geological marvel. As one review mentioned, “Even in a short visit, the silence and majesty of Teide leave a mark.” The scenery here feels otherworldly, with the moonlike terrain and vibrant volcanic colors making it a perfect spot for photos.

Concluding the Tour

After the stops, the descent back to Guía de Isora is equally scenic, with breathtaking views of La Gomera once you arrive. The tour ends with snacks and drinks, and travelers often look through the photos taken during the trip, reliving the experience.

The entire experience lasts about three hours, including transportation, sightseeing, and stops. It’s a satisfying amount of time—enough to see the highlights without feeling rushed.

What’s the Value?

At around $236 per group (up to 2 people), this tour isn’t the cheapest on Tenerife, but it offers a lot in terms of scenic diversity and adventure. The inclusion of private transportation, snacks, safety gear, and the chance to see some of the island’s most iconic volcanic sites adds to its appeal.

Some reviews pointed out how the guides are eager to take photos and make sure everyone gets good shots, which is a thoughtful touch. Plus, with only a maximum of 12 travelers, it feels more intimate than some large-group excursions.

Downsides to Keep in Mind

The main consideration is the short duration—three hours might feel like a quick snapshot of Tenerife’s volcanic landscape. If you’re craving a full-day adventure or a more relaxed pace, this might not satisfy. Also, since the tour is weather-dependent, poor conditions can lead to cancellations, and you’ll want to be flexible.

Finally, you need a driver’s license and closed shoes, which might be a barrier if you’re not comfortable or prepared for driving a buggy.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for adventurous travelers who enjoy outdoor activities and stunning scenery. It’s ideal for those who want a bit of adrenaline mixed with sightseeing and don’t mind the short time frame. If you’re traveling as a couple or a pair and want a memorable, active experience, this tour offers good value.

It’s not really aimed at families with young children or those looking for a leisurely, all-inclusive trip—though older kids who are comfortable with buggies and heights might enjoy it.

FAQ

Is transportation included? Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off from Los Cristianos and Playa San Juan, with help available for other locations for an extra fee.

How long does the tour last? The total experience is approximately three hours, including stops, sightseeing, and transportation.

What do I need to bring? You should wear closed shoes and bring any personal items you want; safety gear and jackets are provided.

Can I participate if I don’t have a driver’s license? No, a valid driver’s license is mandatory to drive the buggy.

Is this tour suitable for families or children? It’s best for travelers who are comfortable with off-road driving and heights; families with older children might enjoy it, but it’s mainly aimed at adults or teenagers.

What happens in case of bad weather? The tour is weather-dependent; if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Final Thoughts

For those craving a compact yet exciting taste of Tenerife’s volcanic majesty, this buggy sunset tour ticks a lot of boxes. You’ll get a lively ride, fantastic viewpoints, and an up-close look at some of the island’s most iconic geological features—all in just a few hours.

While it’s not a full-day adventure, the highlights delivered here are quite memorable and worth considering if you’re after a blend of fun, scenery, and a touch of thrill. It’s especially suited to travelers who enjoy active outings and want a different perspective on Tenerife’s volcanic landscape.

If you’re prepared for the time and safety requirements, this tour offers a memorable way to experience the island’s lunar-like terrain and breathtaking sunset views. Just remember to bring your camera and a sense of adventure—you’re in for a treat.

Happy exploring, and I hope this helps you decide whether a buggy sunset tour through Tenerife’s stunning landscapes is the right fit for your trip.