Buggy tour to Teide in Tenerife

Tenerife offers a landscape full of surprises, from lush valleys to volcanic peaks. This buggy tour to Teide takes you off the beaten path, combining the thrill of driving with the beauty of one of Spain’s most iconic national parks. While it’s not a full-day expedition, its mix of scenic stops, knowledgeable guides, and the chance to see Tenerife from a fresh angle makes it a worthwhile experience.

Two things we really appreciate about this tour are the expert guidance provided by friendly guides and the stunning vistas you’ll capture at every stop. The relaxed pace means you can truly enjoy the landscape without feeling rushed. However, a heads-up: the weather at higher elevations can turn quite cold, so dressing appropriately is essential—this could be a surprise for those expecting tropical warmth all the way.

This adventure suits active travelers looking for a blend of scenic beauty and a touch of adrenaline. It’s ideal for families, couples, or groups who want a memorable way to explore Tenerife’s volcanic heart. If you’re prepared for a bit of wind and chill, and enjoy driving an open-top buggy, this could be a highlight of your trip.

Key Points

• Stunning Scenery: Expect breathtaking views of El Teide, surrounding landscapes, and Tenerife’s coast.
• Expert Guides: Guides are knowledgeable and friendly, providing interesting insights about the area.
• Comfort and Safety: Buggies are in excellent condition, with options for warm clothing provided in cold weather.
• Flexible Stops: Multiple scenic stops, including Vilaflor, San Miguel de Abona, and Cho, offer great photo opportunities.
• Limited Off-Roading: The tour does not include dirt roads, focusing on scenic viewpoints accessible by vehicle.
• Value for Money: With snacks, bottled water, and guided commentary included, it’s a good deal for the experience offered.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

This tour begins at a private base in the Chafiras industrial estate on Plasencia Street. The convenience of a pickup service is offered, but most travelers will meet directly at the starting point. The small group size—up to 14 people—ensures a more personalized experience, avoiding the feeling of being just another number.

The transportation in a private vehicle from the base to the tour’s first stop sets a comfortable tone. It’s a short drive through the southern towns of Tenerife, giving you a first taste of the island’s varied scenery before mounting your buggy.

The Itinerary: A Well-Curated Route

The itinerary includes four main stops, each offering a unique perspective of Tenerife’s landscape and culture.

Vilaflor (1 hour)
This charming mountain village at 1,400 meters altitude is a perfect first stop. Visitors comment on the fresh air and peaceful atmosphere. It’s a good place to stretch your legs, admire traditional Canarian architecture, and snap photos of the surrounding pine forests.

Teide National Park (1 hour)
The highlight of the trip, this UNESCO World Heritage site features the towering Teide volcano at 3,718 meters. While you won’t climb the summit (that’s a separate tour), this stop at 2,200 meters provides sweeping panoramas. Many reviews praise the views, with one traveler noting that it’s “Mother Nature at her best.” The cold can catch you off guard—many recommend dressing warmly for this part of the trip, as the altitude and wind chill can make it surprisingly chilly.

San Miguel de Abona (30 minutes)
This picturesque town is known for its narrow streets and scenic vistas. Visitors enjoy the peaceful vibe and the chance to see local life away from tourist hubs. The quick stop allows for some photos and a brief taste of Tenerife’s inland charm.

Cho (30 minutes)
A rural area with typical Canarian agriculture, passing through dirt roads lined with crops. Here, the focus is on experiencing the agricultural side of Tenerife, with some reviews mentioning the pleasure of passing through traditional farmland. Be aware: the tour does not include off-road driving, but you’ll see dirt roads and rural scenes up close.

The Buggy Experience

Driving a buggy gives you a sense of freedom and adventure. The buggies are described as in excellent condition, with most drivers enjoying the ease of handling and the open-air experience. Many reviews emphasize the fun of cruising along winding mountain roads, with some sharing how exhilarating it feels with the wind in your face.

Guided stops are part of the package. Guides like Alex and Mario are praised for their friendliness and knowledge, frequently sharing interesting facts about Tenerife’s volcanoes, flora, and local lore. Several reviewers mention that the guides took extra time to take pictures, explain sights, and ensure everyone felt comfortable.

Weather and Clothing Considerations

One recurring theme in reviews is how cold it gets at higher elevations—up to 2,300 meters. Travelers who dressed in short sleeves found themselves chilly, with many praising the tour company for providing jackets, gloves, and goggles. As one reviewer notes, “It gets pretty cold as you climb up,” so packing layers is a smart idea.

The open-top nature of the buggies means you’ll feel the breeze, which can be refreshing but also cold. Some travelers recommend bringing scarves or hats, especially if you’re sensitive to wind chill. The guide’s advice to “dress properly” is well-founded—warm clothing can make the experience much more comfortable.

Snacks and Refreshments

Included are snacks—such as a chocolate or cookie—and bottled water, which help keep energy levels up during the stops. These small touches add value, especially considering the duration of around 3.5 hours. After a few photo stops and a bit of driving, you’ll appreciate the chance to refresh without needing to seek out your own snacks.

Group Size and Booking

Most tours are booked about 27 days in advance, which indicates good demand but also the opportunity to secure your spot ahead. The maximum group size of 14 keeps the experience intimate, and feedback emphasizes how guides manage to keep everyone engaged and comfortable.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This buggy adventure is perfect for those who want more than just a scenic drive—those craving a hands-on, fun way to experience Tenerife’s volcanic landscapes. It suits families with children as young as 3 in four-seater buggies and older kids over 1.20 meters tall in two-seaters.

Active travelers will enjoy the driving and sightseeing, while those curious about Tenerife’s natural features will value the knowledgeable guides. If you’re hoping to capture memorable photos of the island’s rugged terrain, this tour offers plenty of opportunities.

However, if you’re sensitive to cold or prefer fully off-road adventures, this tour’s focus on scenic routes and the absence of dirt road driving might be a consideration. Still, for a manageable, well-organized taste of Teide’s grandeur, it hits the right note.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Worth It?

For travelers looking for a unique way to see Teide and the surrounding landscapes, this buggy tour offers a combination of stunning views, guided insights, and a dash of adventure. The small-group size and well-maintained buggies enhance the experience, making it feel personal and safe.

It’s particularly suited for those who don’t mind bundling up, as the high-altitude stops can be cold, but appreciate the opportunity to see Tenerife from a different angle. The inclusion of snacks, bottled water, and friendly guides make the price of around $226 worth considering for an afternoon of memorable scenery and fun.

While it might not satisfy thrill-seekers looking for off-road dirt roads, this tour strikes a nice balance for most visitors. It’s a great choice to add some adventure to your Tenerife itinerary, especially if you’re eager to combine driving with sightseeing.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes. Children from 3 years old can participate in the four-seater buggies, and kids over 1.20 meters tall can ride in the two-seater buggies.

What should I wear on the tour?
Dress warmly, especially for the higher elevations. Since the buggies are open-top, wind and cold can be felt strongly at the summit stops, so layers, jackets, and gloves are recommended.

Does the tour include off-road driving?
No, it does not include off-road or dirt roads. The focus is on scenic views and rural roads accessible by vehicle.

What’s included in the price?
Your fee covers private transportation to the starting point, the buggy ride, snacks (a cookie or chocolate), bottled water, and the use of warm clothing provided on site if needed.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 3.5 hours, with around 3 hours of actual sightseeing and driving.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.

Is the tour suitable for solo travelers?
It’s designed for groups of up to 14, but solo travelers can join as part of a small group, enjoying the camaraderie and shared experience.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of scenic stops, knowledgeable guides, and the thrill of driving an open-top buggy makes it a memorable way to explore Tenerife’s volcanic landscapes without strenuous hikes or full off-road driving.

In the end, this buggy tour to Teide provides a fun, scenic, and educational glimpse into Tenerife’s volcanic heart. It’s best suited for those who enjoy driving, picturesque views, and don’t mind dressing warmly for high-altitude adventures. It’s an experience that combines adventure with natural beauty—an excellent addition to any Tenerife trip.