Puerto de la Cruz: Quad Tour to Teide or Off-Road Adventure

Tenerife looks different from a quad. From Puerto de la Cruz, this small-group tour takes you through pine forests, volcanic terrain, old Canarian towns, and high viewpoints that are hard to reach on foot. I like the choice between a scenic Teide route and a livelier North Route, and I especially like that first-time riders get a careful safety briefing and practice run.

The free photos and videos are another real plus. Guides such as Manuel, Carlos, Antonello, Mario, and David are repeatedly praised for being friendly, patient, and safety-minded. The main consideration is that the North Route can get dirty and tiring, while the Teide route is entirely on paved roads and may feel less adventurous if you want serious off-road riding.

At $94 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see Tenerife. Still, the price includes the quad, guide, helmet, gloves, insurance, snack, drink, and a set of photos and videos. For a small group capped at eight people, the value is good, especially if you want active sightseeing rather than another coach ride.

Quick points to know

• Two very different routes: Choose the high mountain scenery of Teide National Park or the mixed road and off-road North Route.
• First-time friendly: You receive a full briefing and a short practice ride before heading out.
• Small groups matter: With no more than eight participants, the guide can keep an eye on different riding abilities.
• The best photo stops are built in: La Bermeja, Corral del Niño, and El Lance provide time to stop, look around, and take pictures.
• The North Route gets properly dirty: Wear old clothes and darker colors, especially if you plan to ride the 30-minute dirt circuit.
• Bring the right documents: You need a passport or ID card, a valid driver’s license, and closed-toe shoes.

Choosing between Teide and the North Route

This experience is really two tours sharing the same starting point. Your choice should depend on what you want from the day.

The Teide National Park route is the better pick for scenery, altitude, and relaxed exploration. It runs for about three hours, uses paved roads throughout, and climbs through La Orotava, pine forest, lava fields, and high mountain viewpoints. The advertised difficulty is medium.

The North Route and off-road adventure lasts about two and a half hours. It combines ordinary roads with a 30-minute off-road circuit and is rated intermediate to high. You will see Puerto de la Cruz, a remote beach, Los Realejos, and the Orotava Valley before reaching El Lance viewpoint.

I would choose Teide if this is your first visit to Tenerife and you want the island’s grandest views. I would choose the North Route if you already have mountain scenery planned and want the more physical, playful ride.

The tours operate daily, but the route schedules differ. Teide departures are listed at 9:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., while the North Route leaves at 1:30 p.m. Check the exact departure and meeting point when booking, since the meeting location can vary by option.

Starting in Puerto de la Cruz: safety before scenery

The tour begins with a proper introduction to the quad. You will learn how to operate it, then take a short practice ride so the guide can see that everyone is comfortable before the group moves into town and onto larger roads.

That matters more than it may sound. Several riders had never driven a quad before, and the most consistent praise is for the calm instruction. Guides take time to explain the controls, watch new drivers closely, and adjust the pace when needed. One first-time rider found left turns intimidating, while another said the practice session made the whole experience feel manageable.

You need to be at least 18 to drive. Children under seven, pregnant people, anyone without a driver’s license, and people over 350 pounds, or 159 kilograms, cannot take part. You can book a single or double quad, depending on the option selected.

The double quads are useful if one person prefers to ride as a passenger. Keep in mind that the seating area can feel tight for two larger adults. If both people are adults and neither is particularly slim, a single quad may be more comfortable.

The group limit of eight is a strong feature. It keeps the ride from feeling like a convoy of machines and gives the guide a better chance to notice nervous riders, changing road conditions, or anyone falling behind.

Teide route: La Orotava and the climb into the clouds

The Teide route starts with La Orotava, one of the prettiest towns in northern Tenerife. Its old center has cobbled streets and traditional Canarian buildings, giving you a quick look at the island beyond the beaches and resort strips.

From there, the road climbs toward Teide National Park. The scenery changes as you gain height. Green slopes and pine forest give way to lava fields and stark volcanic ground. The winding road is part of the appeal, but it also means the ride is not a fast point-to-point transfer. You are there to enjoy the changing views.

The first major stop is La Bermeja viewpoint. From here, you can look down over the famous sea of clouds, when conditions allow. The view is one of Tenerife’s signature sights, with the northern slopes dropping away beneath a blanket of cloud.

Cloud and weather are worth taking seriously. Tenerife can be warm at the coast and much colder at altitude. Raincoats are supplied in winter or wet conditions, and one rider specifically appreciated having one as the temperature dropped higher up. Bring an extra layer if you tend to feel cold.

The next stop is Corral del Niño, at about 2,300 meters above sea level. This is the high point of the route and the place for broad views of Mount Teide and the surrounding volcanic country. You are not simply driven to a lookout, rushed into a picture, and sent on. The route includes time to stop, take photographs, and enjoy a Canarian snack with a cold drink.

This is a fully paved tour, so the excitement comes from the open-air ride, the bends, and the changing scenery rather than from mud or rough tracks. That makes it a good choice if you want the feel of a motor adventure without signing up for a hard off-road course.

The drawback is simple: riders expecting dirt, rocks, and aggressive quad handling may find this route too gentle. It is an active sightseeing tour, not a technical driving challenge.

North Route: beach, villages, and 30 minutes of dirt tracks

The North Route has a more varied rhythm. It moves around the municipality of Puerto de la Cruz before heading toward the island’s last unspoiled beach, described as a quiet natural spot away from the main resort areas. You stop briefly here rather than spending a long beach visit, so think of it as a scenic pause during a moving tour.

The route then reaches Los Realejos. This historic town is less polished and less tourist-focused than the major resort areas, giving you a better feel for ordinary northern Tenerife. You will not get a long walking tour, but riding through the streets adds a useful local layer to the trip.

Then comes the main event: a 30-minute off-road circuit. The tracks include dirt and rocky sections, with three difficulty levels. The guide can help you choose the level that fits your confidence and ability, but this is still the more demanding option.

Expect dust and dirt. Several riders advise against white clothing or anything you care about. Even with the air used to clean riders at the end, clothes can remain marked. Closed-toe shoes are mandatory, and sturdy footwear is a sensible choice for the rougher section.

The route is not simply a short spin around a prepared patch of ground. You get time on the off-road circuit, followed by more road riding and viewpoints. One rider wished for more off-road time, which is useful to know if the dirt section is the main reason you are booking.

The North Route is also more physically taxing. The combination of road riding, bumps, dust, and gripping the handlebars can leave your lower back or arms tired. It is fun, but do not treat it as a passive sightseeing outing.

El Lance viewpoint and the Canarian snack

After the off-road section and road riding, the route climbs to El Lance viewpoint, about 800 meters above sea level. From here, you get a wide view over the Orotava Valley, with Puerto de la Cruz and the northern slopes spread below.

The stop lasts about ten minutes. That is enough time to catch your breath, take pictures, and enjoy the included traditional Canarian snack and a cold drink. The food is a small detail, but it improves the pacing. You get a pause after the dusty section rather than finishing the ride tired and thirsty.

Do not expect a full meal. The snack is a pleasant refreshment, not lunch. If you book the afternoon route, eat beforehand because the tour does not include a full meal.

The free media is also useful here. Guides take pictures and videos during the ride and send them afterward, usually through a download link or QR code. Riders particularly appreciated getting action shots without having to risk using a phone while driving.

How safe and beginner-friendly is it?

The strongest feature of this tour is the attention to safety. The guide explains the quad before the ride, gives you a practice session, and keeps the group moving at a controlled pace.

That does not remove every risk. One group had a quad go sideways, although everyone was safe and the guide responded carefully. Off-road riding always involves uneven ground, and road riding requires concentration, especially for someone new to a quad.

The tour is suitable for beginners, but beginners should be honest about their comfort level. You do not need prior experience, yet you do need to follow instructions and stay alert. If you are nervous, the Teide route is the easier choice because it stays on paved roads.

The North Route is better for someone comfortable with a little challenge. Its three off-road levels help, but the advertised difficulty is intermediate to high. You can enjoy it without being an expert, but it is not the right pick if you want a completely relaxed ride.

Guides speak English, Spanish, and French. Names repeatedly associated with strong instruction and a good atmosphere include Manuel, Carlos, Antonello, Mario, David, and Manu. The tone seems friendly rather than stiff, with music, jokes, and plenty of practical help, but safety remains the priority.

Is $94 good value?

At $94, the price makes sense if you use the tour as both transport and activity. You are not paying only for quad rental. The fee includes:

• A single or double quad, based on your booking
• A professional guide
• Helmet and gloves
• A raincoat in winter or wet weather
• Liability and accident insurance
• A Canarian snack and drink
• Photos and videos after the ride

You also get access to viewpoints and roads that would be awkward to combine independently in a short visit. The small group helps the experience feel more personal than a large coach excursion.

The value is strongest for a single rider on the North Route, or for anyone who wants an active half-day with scenery built in. It is less compelling if your main goal is simply to reach Teide, since a normal sightseeing trip may be more efficient for that purpose.

A double quad can make the cost easier to manage for two people, but comfort matters. If you both want plenty of room or both want to drive, book single quads if available.

What to wear and bring

Wear clothes that can handle dust, especially on the North Route. Dark colors and older clothing are wise. Avoid white clothing and anything you would be upset to stain.

You must bring:

• Passport or ID card
• Driver’s license
• Closed-toe shoes

Sandals and flip-flops are not allowed. Alcohol and drugs are prohibited, and bare feet are not permitted.

The weather can change quickly as you climb. A raincoat is supplied when needed, but a light extra layer is still a smart idea for the Teide route. You should also be prepared for some physical effort, particularly on the North Route.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You will need to make your own way to the assigned meeting point, which may differ depending on the route you book.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms are useful if the weather forecast is uncertain, but the operator may still alter or cancel a route for safety reasons, as happened during mountain forest fires. In that situation, communication and alternative arrangements matter, so keep your schedule flexible.

Who should book this quad tour?

I would recommend it to you if you want to see northern Tenerife actively, enjoy small groups, and like having a guide handle the route and safety details.

It suits:

• First-time quad riders who want patient instruction
• Couples or friends who want a shared outdoor activity
• Visitors based in Puerto de la Cruz
• Anyone looking for mountain views without a full hiking day
• Riders who value free photos and videos
• People deciding between scenic paved roads and moderate off-road action

I would hesitate if you dislike dust, have back problems, want a long off-road session, or prefer a slow cultural tour with plenty of walking. The Teide route is scenic but not off-road, while the North Route has only about 30 minutes of dirt riding.

Should you book it?

Book the Teide route if you want the most dramatic views, high altitude, lava fields, pine forest, and a calmer ride on paved roads. Choose an early departure if avoiding heavier crowds is important to you.

Book the North Route if you want the more memorable driving experience. Its mix of Puerto de la Cruz, Los Realejos, a beach stop, 30 minutes of off-road riding, and El Lance viewpoint gives you more variety and more dirt under the wheels.

At $94, I think this is a strong choice for an active day in northern Tenerife, especially with a small group, refreshments, insurance, and free media included. Just wear old clothes, bring your license, and choose the route based on your real appetite for adventure, not only the prettiest photograph.

FAQ

Do I need previous quad-driving experience?

No. The tour begins with a full safety briefing and a practice ride. The experience is designed for beginners, although you still need a valid driver’s license and must be at least 18 to drive.

Which route includes off-road riding?

Only the North Route includes off-road riding. It has about 30 minutes on dirt tracks and rocky trails, with three difficulty levels. The Teide route is entirely on paved roads.

How long does the tour last?

The Teide route lasts about three hours. The North Route lasts about two and a half hours. The listed experience duration is between 150 minutes and three hours, depending on the route.

What languages does the guide speak?

Guides speak English, Spanish, and French.

What is included in the price?

The price includes the quad tour, a single or double quad depending on your selection, guide, helmet, gloves, raincoat when needed, Canarian snack, drink, photos, videos, and liability and accident insurance.

What should I wear?

You need closed-toe shoes. For the North Route, wear older or darker clothing because the off-road section can make you dirty. Sandals and flip-flops are not allowed.

Can children or pregnant people join?

Children under seven and pregnant people cannot take part. Drivers must be at least 18, and people without a driver’s license cannot drive. The experience is also not suitable for anyone over 350 pounds, or 159 kilograms.