Taking a buggy ride through Teide National Park sounds like the perfect way to combine adventure, nature, and a touch of fun. This tour, offered by YouTenerife, promises a 3-hour journey that explores the volcanic landscapes of Tenerife’s most iconic natural wonder, with a few surprises along the way. It’s a small group experience, guided in multiple languages, with plenty of opportunities to snap photos and enjoy some well-earned refreshments at the end.
What I particularly like about this experience is how it balances adrenaline with relaxed stops—you get the thrill of driving a buggy across rugged terrain, along with time to appreciate the stunning vistas and unique volcanic flora. The fact that all safety equipment is provided, including jackets and helmets, makes it accessible and comfortable. Plus, the free pickup from Puerto de la Cruz and nearby towns simplifies logistics, allowing you to focus on the fun.
One potential consideration is that off-road driving is limited to roads, as noted in reviews, which might be a slight disappointment for those seeking more rugged terrain. However, guides like Ramon Caminero make sure the journey feels dynamic, especially with the chance to ascend to 2200 meters, the highest point in Spain, offering panoramic views that are well worth the ride.
Key points / Takeaways
- Scenic drive through volcanic landscapes that showcase Tenerife’s geological marvels.
- Knowledgeable guides who share insights about the park’s geology, flora, and history.
- Comfortable equipment including jackets, gloves, and eye masks, ensuring safety and warmth.
- Delicious tapas and drinks at the tour’s conclusion, plus a photo slideshow of your adventure.
- Pickup included from Puerto de la Cruz, Icod, and Los Realejos, easing transportation concerns.
- Limited group size (max 10 participants) for a more personalized experience.
Entering the Volcano’s Realm: What the Tour Looks Like
From the moment your adventure begins, you’ll realize this isn’t just a ride — it’s a discovery of one of Europe’s most impressive volcanic parks. It starts with a visit to La Caldera, a massive volcanic crater that tells stories of Tenerife’s fiery past. Walking around here, I found myself marveling at the geological formations—the jagged edges and layered lava flows make it a natural sculpture park.
Your guide, perhaps Ramon, will share fascinating details about the park’s volcanic activity, flora, and fauna. The small group size means you’ll get personalized attention, and guides are bilingual, making explanations clear whether you speak Spanish, English, or Italian.
The buggy itself is straightforward to operate, even for beginners, and the guided stops make this more than just a joyride. I appreciated how the guide kept the mood lively, sharing facts and jokes, which made the experience both educational and fun.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Puerto De La Cruz.
The Forest Trail and Cloud-Covered Moments
After the initial volcanic landscapes, the tour takes you into the surrounding forest, where volcanic flora like endemic plants thrive. Here, you’ll get a close-up look at the park’s unique ecosystem, which is often overlooked. The trail isn’t off-road per se, but driving through the forest gives a different perspective on the park’s diversity.
A highlight for many is passing above the clouds, which creates a surreal, almost lunar landscape. These moments can be quite magical, especially as the clouds swirl around the mountains, creating changing vistas perfect for photos. As one reviewer noted, “The change in temperature when we go through the clouds, luckily they lend us jackets,” is a subtle reminder of how quickly conditions can change at higher elevations.
Reaching La Siete Cañadas offers a view of what feels like another planet, with the colors and textures of volcanic rock. The guides point out interesting formations, but I found the real treat was simply soaking in the vast, unspoiled scenery.
The Climb to 2200 Meters and the Surreal Lunar Landscape
The highlight of this tour is climbing to 2200 meters, the highest point in Spain. From here, the view is nothing short of breathtaking. You’ll see a sweeping panorama of Tenerife, with Mount Teide looming in the background. Topping out at this altitude, I felt a sense of achievement, and the scenery was worth every moment of the drive.
The descent is just as exhilarating, passing through clouds and over rugged terrain. It’s worth noting that some reviews mention sticking mainly to paved road sections, which might disappoint off-road enthusiasts looking for more rugged terrain. However, the views and the overall experience remain compelling.
At the end of this adventure, you’ll gather at Ramon Caminero for a well-earned break. Here, you can enjoy delicious tapas and refreshing drinks, and if you like, purchase a photoshoot of your ride for an extra fee. The included photo slideshow is a nice touch, giving you a visual recap of the highlights.
Practical Details and Considerations
Pricing for this experience offers good value considering everything included—buggy rental, safety equipment, guides, tapas, drinks, and pickup—making it a hassle-free way to see Teide’s volcanic landscapes. The 3-hour duration is just right; long enough to explore without feeling rushed, but not so lengthy that it becomes tiring.
Booking in advance is recommended, especially in peak seasons, and cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours beforehand. The small group size (up to 10 people) ensures a more intimate experience, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and interact with your guide.
The experience is suitable for adventure seekers comfortable with driving. You’ll need a driver’s license, closed-toe shoes, and warm clothing—especially since it can get chilly at higher altitudes. No alcohol or drugs are allowed, which is a standard safety rule.
Who Will Love This Experience?
This tour suits adventurous travelers keen on exploring volcanic landscapes in a fun, interactive way. It’s perfect if you enjoy photo opportunities and want to learn from a knowledgeable guide. Families and groups of friends will find the small group size and relaxed pace appealing. Those who appreciate delicious food and relaxing breaks at the end will also find a lot to enjoy.
However, if you’re seeking off-road driving beyond paved roads, this tour might feel somewhat tame. Still, the views from 2200 meters and the opportunity to drive through such a unique environment make it a worthwhile addition to your Tenerife itinerary.
This buggy tour via YouTenerife offers a unique blend of adventure, natural beauty, and cultural insight. You’ll enjoy stunning vistas, expert guidance, and a relaxed atmosphere, topped off with tasty tapas. It’s an ideal choice for those wanting to see Teide’s volcanic wonders from a different perspective—on four wheels.
While the drive is mostly on paved roads, the experience’s highlights—especially reaching the highest point in Spain and passing through clouds—are unforgettable. The small group size and inclusion of safety gear make it a comfortable, stress-free option for most travelers.
If you’re after a fun, scenic, and informative outing that gives you a taste of Tenerife’s volcanic soul, this tour is well worth considering. It offers good value for the price, especially when you factor in the convenience of free pickup, delicious food, and plenty of photo opportunities.
Is the buggy ride suitable for beginners?
Yes, the experience is designed for beginners and those with no prior driving experience. The guides provide clear instructions on how to operate the buggy safely.
What should I bring on the tour?
Bring your driver’s license, warm clothing, and closed-toe shoes. The tour provides jackets, gloves, helmets, and eye masks, so you don’t need to worry about those.
Can I participate if I don’t want to drive?
This experience is primarily for drivers, but you might find options for passengers. Check directly with the provider, as the main focus is on the buggy ride.
Is pickup available outside Puerto de la Cruz?
Yes, free pickup is offered in Puerto de la Cruz, Icod, and Los Realejos. Additional areas are available for an extra charge.
How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours. Check availability for specific start times.
Are food and drinks included?
Yes, at the end of the tour, you’ll enjoy delicious tapas and drinks. Additional photoshoots are available for an extra fee.
Are there any age or height restrictions?
The data doesn’t specify age or height limits, but generally, drivers need a valid driver’s license. It’s best to confirm with the provider if you have specific concerns.
What is the group size?
The experience is limited to 10 participants, ensuring a more personalized and relaxed atmosphere.
This buggy adventure through Teide National Park offers a great mix of scenic beauty, adventure, and local flavor—a memorable way to see Tenerife’s volcanic heart. Whether you’re craving a thrill or simply want to enjoy spectacular views with some fun thrown in, it’s a worthwhile addition to your island itinerary.