Bumpy roads near Teide make the day feel quick. This guided buggy discovery tour mixes volcanic viewpoints with a real off-road push, plus breaks for ocean views and a relaxed stop at a camel center.

I especially liked the way the driving is run: the guide keeps things clear, the pace feels controlled, and I found it easy to relax and enjoy the ride. You’ll also have a chance to switch off drivers, so you’re not stuck watching the whole time.

One thing to plan for: it’s an add-on-heavy outing for photos and drinks. Videos/fotos cost extra (40 euros), and soda/pop isn’t included at the camel park, so bring cash/card if you want those.

Key highlights at a glance

• Volcanic viewpoint at Arguayo with ocean views toward La Gomera, where Tenerife’s most recent eruption left its mark
• Mirador Lomo Molino for northern Tenerife views, including Garachico and Puerto de la Cruz, plus Teide in the background
• Tropical forest break at El Tanque inside a camel center bar setting
• Real off-road riding in subtropical forest with rugged paths and hidden spots you won’t reach on foot
• Return to Tamaimo for wine and cheese before you head back to the start point

Buggy time near Mount Teide: what you’re really paying for

This tour is about movement and variety. In about three hours, you’ll cover multiple “types” of Tenerife scenery: volcanic terrain, northern coastline views, and then a forest stretch where the driving turns into proper off-road work.

The price is listed as $263.70 per group for up to 2 people. That matters, because it can feel pricey if you’re comparing it to bus tours. But you’re also getting hotel pickup and drop-off, a guide, jackets, snacks, and a few built-in stops that include wine and cheese later. If you can go as a pair, the value gets easier to understand.

Getting to Tamaimo and finding your start point

The tour starts at 10:00 am at Carr. Puerto, 22, 38684 Tamaimo, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. If you’re getting pickup, they’ll meet you in front of your hotel or your holiday residence.

This is helpful if you’re staying in the more touristy areas and you don’t want to spend time figuring out buses or taxis. It’s also near public transportation, which is good backup if pickup doesn’t line up with where you’re staying.

What the group size feels like (and why it matters)

The maximum group size is 12 travelers, and it’s run as a guided experience with a safety briefing before you head out. Smaller groups usually mean you spend less time waiting and more time moving and stopping on schedule.

Also, you’re not stuck as a passenger the entire time. The tour includes a setup where you can switch off drivers, so each person gets a turn at the controls. That’s one of the reasons this tends to feel more fun than “sit and watch” style excursions.

Stop 1: Arguayo volcanic views over the ocean and La Gomera

Your first stop is Arguayo, tied to the place of the most recent volcanic eruption. This is the kind of stop where you look around and quickly understand why Tenerife is so famous for geology: the ground doesn’t look like “regular” dirt, and the shapes feel raw and new.

You also get amazing views out toward the ocean and La Gomera. That combo is a big part of the appeal. You’re not just getting a quick photo pause; you’re getting the context of what you’re riding over, and then seeing the ocean as your payoff.

How to make the most of it: take a moment at a high spot for the big picture views, then zoom in for textures and color. The eruption area changes how you see everything else on the island after this.

Stop 2: Mirador Lomo Molino by El Mortero and northern coastline drama

Next you’ll head to Mirador Lomo Molino by El Mortero. This viewpoint focuses on northern Tenerife, with the towns of Garachico and Puerto de la Cruz in view. Teide sits in the backdrop, so you get that signature “big volcano from afar” feeling even when you’re not right at it.

Another detail that makes this stop feel special is the banana plantations. They add a softer, tropical element to the harder volcanic feeling you saw at Arguayo.

Potential drawback: viewpoints mean wind and changing light. If you’re sensitive to cold air, bring layers even if the day starts warm. The time on this stop is about 40 minutes, so you want to be comfortable right away.

Stop 3: El Tanque camel center bar break in a tropical forest

At El Tanque, you start with a 20-minute break at a bar located inside a tropical forest setting at a camel center. This is a short reset, not a full meal stop, but it helps break up the day before the next off-road section.

I like stops like this because they’re not just waiting around. You get a quick change of pace, you can check your hands for dust, and you can settle before the next drive.

Note: soda/pop isn’t included at the camel park. If you want a drink, plan on paying extra there.

Stop 4: Off-road through subtropical forest at El Tanque

This is the driving highlight for many people, and it’s easy to see why. You’ll navigate rugged terrain in a subtropical forest using an off-road vehicle, following paths that feel more “explore” than “follow a road.”

This part is about feeling the terrain. It’s where the rubber meets the real dirt, and you’ll notice how the forest changes the experience: less open sky, more track, and more sensory stuff like uneven ground under tires.

What to expect: there’s a safety briefing first, and the guide’s job is to keep things moving safely. In the practical sense, it feels well organized and easy to follow, so you can focus on driving and enjoying the ride rather than worrying about what to do.

Stop 5: Tamaimo return for wine and cheese

You’ll head back to base in Tamaimo, and the final stop is wine and cheese for about 40 minutes. This is a clever way to finish because it turns the end of the adventure into something social and slow.

Wine and cheese also work well after off-road time. Your hands may feel dusty, your clothes might be a bit dirty, and this gives you a chance to decompress without hunting for dinner afterward.

One practical tip: if you know you’re hungry, don’t assume this will be a full dinner replacement. It’s set up as a tasting-style ending, so if you’re staying out late, plan your next meal based on your own appetite.

Clothes and gear: what to wear so the ride feels easy

The tour includes jackets, and they can provide jackets, pants, and gloves for free to borrow. That’s a huge help if you travel light or you didn’t pack for cooler Tenerife weather.

If you’re going in cooler months, I’d follow the proven approach people use: wear pants and bring warm layers like sweatshirts. Gloves help with grip and comfort, and a hat/scarf can make the wind outside viewpoints more pleasant.

Even with the included gear, think about comfort. Off-road riding can be a bumpy ride, and comfort wins for both driving and passenger time.

Safety and the guide’s role: how to feel confident

You’ll get a safety briefing before you head out into the off-road terrain. What matters here is that the guiding style is clear and organized. The goal is simple: you should never feel like you’re guessing.

The driving setup also helps you feel more in control. With switching drivers, you’re not exhausted from gripping the controls nonstop, and it keeps the pace from getting monotonous.

Photos, videos, and extra costs you should plan for

This tour can include a paid photo/video service: photos and videos are 40 euros. If you’re the type who wants a full set of images, budget for it. If not, you can still enjoy the day and just rely on your own phone camera during stops.

Soda/pop costs extra at the camel center, so don’t expect a free drink there. Snacks are included, which is helpful during the driving stretches.

How this tour stacks up for different types of travelers

This is a good fit if you want an active day without spending the whole time in one place. You’ll get plenty of pauses for photos and scenery, but the core is the buggy and off-road experience.

• If you love driving: you’ll appreciate the chance to switch drivers and get real time at the controls.
• If you love scenery: Arguayo and Mirador Lomo Molino deliver strong viewpoint payoffs, with Teide and northern towns in the mix.
• If you want a calm, sit-by-the-pool vacation: this won’t match that mood. It’s moving, rugged, and best when you’re okay with some dust and cold air at viewpoints.

Should you book the Tenerife Guided Buggy Discovery Tour around Mount Teide?

Book it if you want a guided day that mixes views with actual off-road riding, and you’re going at least as a couple so the per-group price up to 2 feels fair. The combination of hotel pickup, included snacks and jackets, plus wine and cheese at the end makes it easier to justify than a pure driving tour that ends without any “reward.”

Skip it (or reconsider) if extra spending would stress you out. Photos/videos cost 40 euros, and soda/pop isn’t included at the camel center bar. Also, if you’re very sensitive to cold or wind, plan your layers, because the ride includes time outside at viewpoints.

If you want to spend your Tenerife time doing something hands-on and not just sightseeing, this is one of the more satisfying ways to see the island’s volcanic and forest sides in a single afternoon.

FAQ

How long is the Tenerife guided buggy discovery tour?

It lasts about 3 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 10:00 am.

Where is the meeting point?

The tour starts at Carr. Puerto, 22, 38684 Tamaimo, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup is offered in front of your hotel or place of holiday residency, and you’re dropped back at the meeting point at the end.

What’s included in the price?

Included features are jackets, a guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, and snacks.

What is not included?

Photos and videos cost 40 euros, and soda/pop at the camel park is not included.

Is there a limit on group size?

Yes. The tour has a maximum of 12 travelers.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

You Might Also Enjoy

2 hour trip to see whales dolphins puerto colon adejeTour Visiting banana plantation and winery in TenerifeTenerife: PRIVATE Catamaran cruise with Lunch and DrinksJet Ski Safari South Tenerife