Camel Riding Tour at El Tanque, Tenerife

If you’re seeking a truly different way to experience Tenerife beyond its beaches and popular resorts, a camel riding tour at El Tanque offers a charming peek into the island’s rural side. This tour, rated at 4.0 out of 5 based on 72 reviews, combines a short but memorable camel trek with opportunities to see local farmland animals and indulge in Canarian tapas and wine. Priced at just over $17 per person, it’s an affordable outing that appeals to families, curious travelers, and those craving a touch of adventure.

One thing we really appreciate about this experience is its authentic setting — a peaceful village surrounded by farmland, not a touristy theme park. Plus, the option to upgrade with hotel pickup and a tasting session adds extra value for those wanting a more complete half-day outing. A potential downside? The 20-minute ride might feel a tad brief for some, and reviews suggest that organization can vary, with some guests facing challenges like unclear meeting points. Still, for a relaxed, family-friendly activity, this tour offers genuine fun and a chance to get close to Tenerife’s rural charm.

This tour is best suited for those looking for a light, cultural experience that’s easy to fit into a day’s itinerary — perfect for families with children, animal lovers, or anyone wanting a break from typical sightseeing. Just keep in mind that it’s not recommended for travelers with back problems or those weighing over 120 kg.

Key Points

• Authentic rural scenery: Ride through farmland and natural protected landscapes of El Tanque.
• Short but sweet: A 20-minute camel ride that’s perfect for a quick, fun adventure.
• Enriching local encounters: See native farm animals like Canarian goats, Pelibuey sheep, ponies, and donkeys.
• Optional extras: Hotel pickup and a tasting experience with local wine, honey cheese, sauces, and potatoes.
• Good value: The price offers a reasonable balance of the experience, especially with the tasting upgrade.
• Authentic farm experience: The tour offers a glimpse into traditional Canarian farming life, with scenic views and local animals.

The Experience in Detail

Starting Point and Location

The tour begins at the Camello Center in El Tanque — a small, scenic village in northwest Tenerife well known for its agricultural roots. The meeting point is straightforward to find if you’re in the area, though some reviews mention that travelers with poor network connections or unclear directions might face initial confusion. The center is close to public transportation, which makes it accessible for many.

The Itinerary and What to Expect

The core of the experience is the approximately 20-minute camel ride, where you’ll sit atop a well-cared-for camel as it ambles along farmland trails. The ride itself is described as fun and lighthearted — with some guests mentioning that you can don costumes for added flair, like turban or Arabian-themed attire, which adds a playful touch.

Guests can expect to see native flora and fauna along the trail, including palm trees, banana plantations, and protected landscapes like La Rambla de Castro. The scenery is peaceful, with views of old buildings such as La Hacienda de los Castro and the historic water lift of La Gordejuela adding a hint of local history.

The Farm Animals and Natural Surroundings

One of the highlights noted in reviews is the chance to observe local farm animals — specifically the Canarian goats, Pelibuey sheep, donkeys, and ponies. Several reviewers appreciated how well the animals are kept and friendly. For example, Sarah_A mentioned that the camels are well taken care of and look really healthy, which reassures visitors about the ethical treatment.

Guests often comment on the beauty of the landscape, especially the lush valleys and natural protected areas, making this a scenic outing suitable for nature lovers.

Optional Upgrades and Tastings

For an added layer of enjoyment, you can opt for hotel pickup in areas like La Quinta, Turquesa, and Teneguía — which many find convenient, especially if you prefer not to worry about transportation. These pickups often include tastings of local products such as wines, honeyed cheeses, sauces, and potatoes, providing a delicious introduction to Canarian cuisine. Several reviews praise the wine and tapas, describing them as delicious and well-presented, making the upgrade feel worthwhile.

Group Size and Atmosphere

With a maximum of 20 travelers, the tour maintains a fairly intimate feel. Guests mention friendly guides and staff, with Daniella often singled out for her welcoming attitude. The group size means you get a more personal experience, and the staff generally seem attentive and helpful.

Duration and Value

While the ride is relatively short—about 20 minutes—many guests see it as just enough time for a fun activity that doesn’t overextend. The overall experience, especially with tastings, offers solid value at the listed price. The reviews suggest that it’s an excellent option for a quick family outing or a light cultural activity during a Tenerife holiday.

What Real Guests Say

Sarah_A’s review captures the essence of a positive experience, emphasizing the healthy-looking camels and friendly staff. She also highlights that the short ride was “lovely” and worth doing. Conversely, Kristin_V pointed out a lack of clarity in meeting instructions and poor network connection, which can cause frustration. That said, most reviews are positive, especially regarding the animal care and friendly guides.

Some guests, like Laurel_B and Marta_C, felt the ride was short and not particularly scenic, with one reviewer even calling it a “fraud” in their harsh critique. These opinions serve as a reminder that this experience leans more toward a fun, family-friendly adventure rather than a lengthy or highly scenic trek.

The Food and Wine

Guests who upgraded with tastings often praised the local wines and delicious tapas like honeyed cheeses and potatoes. Several reviewers emphasized the value they found in the tasting session, describing the food as authentic and tasty. It’s a great way to relax after the ride and get a taste of the local flavors.

Practical Details and Tips

• Booking in advance is recommended — most bookings are made 22 days ahead, and spots can fill quickly.
• The 20-minute ride is suitable for most people, but those with back problems or over 120 kg should consider whether they’re comfortable.
• Children are welcome, but must be supervised by adults.
• The tour operates Monday from 10 AM to 4 PM year-round, so plan accordingly.
• The meeting point is straightforward if you’re local or using GPS, but some may find it challenging without good network coverage.
• Cancellation policy allows free cancellations up to 24 hours before, offering peace of mind if your plans change due to weather or other reasons.

The Sum Up

The Camel Riding Tour at El Tanque offers a charming and authentic slice of Tenerife’s rural life, making it ideal for families, animal lovers, and curious travelers. The short ride, combined with opportunities to see farm animals and enjoy local wines and tapas, makes it a well-rounded experience that emphasizes fun and cultural authenticity over lengthy excursions.

While the ride itself is brief, the peaceful farmland scenery and friendly guides create a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere. The optional tastings elevate the experience, turning a simple activity into a delicious adventure that highlights Canarian flavors.

This tour is perfect if you’re after a light, family-friendly activity with a touch of local charm. It’s also a good option for travelers wanting an affordable way to connect with Tenerife’s countryside — especially if they enjoy animals, nature, and a laid-back vibe.

FAQ

Is the camel ride suitable for children?
Yes, children are welcome but must be supervised by an adult. The ride lasts around 20 minutes, making it suitable for most kids.

Can I do this tour if I have back problems?
It’s not recommended for participants with back issues, as the ride involves sitting on a camel for a short period.

Are hotel pickups available?
Yes, you can upgrade for pickup in La Quinta, Turquesa, and Teneguía, which many guests find convenient.

Does the tour include food or drinks?
Food and drinks are not included unless you opt for the tasting upgrade, which features local wines and traditional tapas.

How long does the entire experience last?
The camel ride itself is about 20 minutes, but including pickups and optional tastings, plan for about half a day.

Is the scenery scenic?
Yes, the farmland trails and natural protected landscapes offer peaceful views of farms, native flora, and historic landmarks.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour is weather-dependent, and cancellations due to poor weather are fully refundable or can be rescheduled.

In the end, this experience offers a lovely combination of authentic rural scenery, friendly animal encounters, and tasty local treats — perfect for a relaxed day in Tenerife’s northwest.