Quad rides beat slow sightseeing. You get two very different Tenerife experiences from Puerto de la Cruz, with Teide National Park on-road scenery or a North Route off-road circuit that actually shakes the dust off your shoes. I especially like the combo of real views plus a short adrenaline hit, and the fact that the ride comes with a full safety briefing so you do not need prior quad experience. One thing to consider: this is not a clean, dress-up kind of activity, so wear gear you do not mind getting muddy.

Guides like Carlos and Manuel show up strong here, running the tour with clear instructions and lots of photo stops so you have time to look around and not just focus on the trail. Small groups (up to 8) also help the pace feel human, not rushed. If you want a lot of off-road time, pick the North Route; the Teide option is fully on-road.

Key things to know before you ride

• Two routes, two moods: Teide is road-only; the North Route includes a 30-minute dirt-and-rock circuit
• Small group: limited to 8 participants, so you get more attention at the quad start
• Beginner-friendly setup: full safety briefing and practice help you get comfortable fast
• Views plus snacks: viewpoint stops with traditional Canarian snack and drink break up the ride
• Photo support: videos and photos are sent after, and guides help you get good shots
• Plan for mess: bring closed-toe shoes and darker clothes if you do not want mud surprises

Choosing Between Teide Views and the North Route Off-Road

This tour is smart because it gives you a real choice. You can go for dramatic mountain scenery around Teide National Park, or you can aim for action through Puerto de la Cruz and the surrounding areas with an included off-road stretch. Both options start and end back at the meeting point in Puerto de la Cruz, so you are not burning time on long transfers.

For many people, the decision comes down to one question: do you want the experience to feel more like scenic driving with big viewpoints (Teide), or more like a real quad day with dirt trails (North Route)? The Teide route stays on roads the whole time, which is great if you want less technical riding. The North Route mixes road driving with a focused off-road segment, which is where the tour gets its heart-rate bump.

The price is $91 per person for a guided, gear-included activity with a snack break and photo/video follow-up. That can feel like a lot until you count what you get: helmet and protective kit, instruction, guided route planning, and time at multiple viewpoint stops without you having to figure out roads, parking, and timing on your own.

Meeting at Mamio Verde Adventures and Getting Comfortable on a Quad

Your start point is the Mamio Verde Adventures La Paz tourist office in Puerto de la Cruz, and the tour ends back there. That matters because it keeps the day simple: you do not need to line up complicated transport, and you can build the rest of your Tenerife plans around a clean 2.5 to 3 hour window.

At the start, you should expect a full safety briefing. This is not a vague speech, either. The tour is designed for people without quad experience, and the instruction is paired with practical guidance on how to handle the machine. Several people highlight that guides take time to make sure riders feel comfortable, and that is a big deal if you are nervous about driving on uneven ground.

You’ll be provided protective gear like a helmet, and you also get gloves and a raincoat in winter or wet conditions. The photo and video part comes afterward, but the safety and handling piece is what really sets the tone for the whole ride. If you go in with the mindset of learning to drive confidently, the experience goes from intimidating to fun fast.

Practical note: closed-toe shoes are mandatory, and sandals or flip flops are not allowed. Also bring a driver’s license, plus your passport or ID card.

Route 1 (Teide Morning): La Orotava, Pine Roads, and Sea of Clouds Views

If you choose the Teide option, plan on an early start to beat crowds: the morning schedule runs Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 09:00. The ride lasts about 3 hours and stays 100% on-road, with a medium difficulty level.

The day starts with time in La Orotava, known for traditional Canarian architecture and cobblestone streets. This part is less about quad driving and more about grounding you in the island’s character before you climb. It’s a good way to go from town life into volcanic Tenerife without rushing.

Then you head up into the mountains on winding roads surrounded by pine forests and lava fields. This combo is one of the reasons I like the Teide road route: you can actually take in how Tenerife changes as you gain altitude. You are not just racing between points; you are being shown the island’s texture as it shifts from lush to volcanic.

The first real viewpoint stop is La Bermeja, where you can admire the famous sea of clouds stretching below. It is the kind of view that makes you stop talking. You do not have to be a scenery person to appreciate it.

Next comes Corral del Niño, around 2,300 meters above sea level, with panoramic views of Teide and the surrounding volcanic landscape. You’ll stop at the summit area for a typical local snack and a refreshing drink. This break is more than a sugary pause. It gives you a moment to breathe in the mountain air and reset after the climb, especially if you drove the quad yourself.

The key drawback: since this option is on-road only, you will not get the dust-and-rock action of the North Route. If you came for adrenaline, you may find Teide more like a beautiful guided drive with big stops than a full-on dirt ride day.

Route 2 (North Route): Puerto’s Highlights, Los Realejos, and 30 Minutes of Dirt Fun

The North Route is the one for action. It runs every day, and it can be scheduled in the morning or afternoon (check the available start times). Duration is about 2.5 hours, and it mixes road driving with a 30-minute off-road circuit. Difficulty is listed as intermediate to high.

You start by riding through the municipality of Puerto de la Cruz, including a stop at the island’s last unspoiled beach. After that, you head through or toward Los Realejos, described as one of the island’s most authentic (and most crowded) villages. This is where the tour balances nature and local life. You get scenery, yes, but you also get that sense of how people actually live in northern Tenerife.

Then you hit the highlight: a 30-minute off-road circuit with dirt tracks and rocky trails. The tour includes three difficulty levels, which is a smart design if your group has mixed comfort levels. Even if you are a first-time rider, the fact that the off-road section is structured helps you find your footing without feeling thrown into the deep end.

One thing I like about this format is that the off-road part is long enough to matter, but not so long that your body or your concentration is wiped out. You get the thrill and then you still have energy for the viewpoint finish.

El Lance Viewpoint and the Canarian Snack That Ends the Ride Right

Both route styles share one important ingredient: viewpoint time with food and drink. On the North Route, the finish includes El Lance viewpoint, located at about 800 meters above sea level. It’s positioned over the Orotava Valley, and you get around 10 minutes to take it in, relax, and recharge.

During these stops, you are served a traditional Canarian snack and a cold drink. That may sound simple, but it’s the kind of included detail that turns a good activity into a complete one. It keeps the ride from feeling like a series of driving tasks and gives you something local to taste while you look out at Tenerife’s big picture.

If you are the type who likes taking photos, these pauses are where you get your best shots. People specifically call out that the guide helps set up photo opportunities and that riders swap positions so everyone gets a turn behind the handlebars for better angles.

Gear, Mess Level, and Real Safety Considerations

The tour includes a helmet and protective accessories like gloves, plus a raincoat in winter or rainy weather. That’s a big plus in Tenerife because weather can shift quickly in the north.

The tour also requires you to bring:

• Your passport or ID card
• Your driver’s license
• Closed-toe shoes (mandatory)

No sandals, no flip flops, no bare feet.

Now for the realistic part: this is not a clean, polished activity. Multiple riders note that the dirt can cling to clothes, and even though the guide uses air to help blow off grime, it does not remove everything. If you have white sneakers or favorite light clothing, you might regret it. Wear darker colors and stuff you can wash later without stress.

Weight and age rules matter too. The tour is not suitable for:

• Children under 7
• Pregnant women
• People over 350 lbs (159 kg)
• People without a driver’s license
• Drivers under 18

Price and Value: What You’re Really Buying for $91

At $91 per person, the value comes from bundling together several things you would otherwise pay for or plan yourself: professional guiding, safety briefing, quad equipment (helmet and protective items), snack and drink, and photo/video delivery after the tour.

If you have ever tried to piece together a self-guided driving day on Tenerife, you know the time cost is real. Between figuring out routes, parking, where viewpoints actually are, and timing stops so you are not rushing, a guided tour saves mental energy. Here, you also get the off-road segment (North Route) or the Teide road climb with multiple scenic stops (Teide route).

The small group size (up to 8) is also part of the value story. More attention at the start often means you feel safer sooner, and that directly affects how much fun you have once the route gets more interesting.

Where you might feel the price pinch is if you are expecting more off-road time on the Teide route, or if you want more video footage specifically of you riding. Some riders ask for extra video, so go in knowing the package includes photos and videos sent afterward, but exact quantities can vary.

The Guides Make the Day: Carlos and Manuel Energy

The biggest consistent praise is about the guide experience. People highlight that guides are professional, attentive, and genuinely helpful—especially for first-time quad drivers. Two names show up clearly: Carlos and Manuel. They’re described as friendly, knowledgeable about Tenerife, and focused on safety.

What really matters is how that comes through in the ride:

• Clear explanations before you start
• Guidance that helps you take turns and get good pictures
• Attention to rider comfort, not just moving through the route
• Photo moments built into the schedule rather than treated as an afterthought

If you care about learning a bit about where you are instead of just pointing at views, the guide component is one reason this tour earns such strong ratings.

Who Should Book This Quad Tour (and Who Should Skip It)

This is a strong fit if you want:

• A guided way to see northern Tenerife without a car day
• Big viewpoints around La Orotava, Teide-area spots, or the Orotava Valley
• A mix of culture (town stops) plus action (North Route off-road)
• A small group experience with real instruction

It’s especially good for people who are excited about driving but do not have quad experience. The safety briefing and practice runs (including the idea of starting with guidance before more technical riding) are key.

Skip or reconsider if:

• You strongly dislike getting dirty (mud is part of the deal)
• You want unlimited off-road time (Teide is road-only; off-road is concentrated on the North Route)
• You do not have a driver’s license
• You fall into the tour’s unsuitability categories like age, pregnancy, or weight limits

Also, if you are choosing between single and double quad and you are adult riders who do not want cramped comfort, it can help to choose the driving setup that gives you room to move. Some people mention that space on shared seating can be limited depending on build.

Quick Verdict: Should You Book It?

Yes, if you want an active Tenerife day that combines proper guiding, good viewpoints, and a real change of pace from beach time. The Teide option is ideal if you want scenic road riding and high-altitude views without technical off-road stress. The North Route is the better pick if you want a thrill section—30 minutes of dirt and rocky trails—plus town stops and a scenic valley finish at El Lance.

My advice: match the route to your goal. If you want clean and calm, Teide fits. If you want dirt under your tires and a story you will still laugh about later, go North.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the quad tour?

The experience runs about 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on which route you choose. Check available start times for the exact schedule.

What routes are offered from Puerto de la Cruz?

You can choose between Route 1 (Teide National Park on-road, with a morning schedule) or Route 2 (North Route with road driving plus a 30-minute off-road circuit, running every day).

Do I need prior quad experience?

No. The tour includes a full safety briefing, and it is designed so you can ride even if you have never driven a quad before.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No. The tour starts and ends back at the meeting point near the Mamio Verde Adventures La Paz tourist office.

What’s included in the price?

Included items are the guided quad tour, helmet, gloves, and raincoat when needed, a traditional Canarian snack and drink, and photos/videos sent after the tour. Liability and accident insurance are also included.

What should I bring with me?

Bring your passport or ID card and your driver’s license. You also must wear closed-toe shoes.

Can I wear sandals or flip-flops?

No. Sandals and flip-flops are not allowed. Closed-toe shoes are mandatory.

Who is this tour not suitable for?

It’s not suitable for children under 7, pregnant women, people over 350 lbs (159 kg), people without a driver’s license, and drivers under 18 years old.