La Palma: Volcano Route Buggy Tour

If you’re dreaming of an adrenaline-fueled exploration of La Palma’s volcanic terrain, the La Palma: Volcano Route Buggy Tour could be just the ticket. This half-day excursion promises a scenic ride through some of the island’s most striking natural sights, from active volcanoes to lush forests. With a reputation of high praise—boasting a 4.7-star rating from over 80 reviews—it’s clear that many travelers find this adventure both exciting and memorable.

What we really love about this tour is the way it combines thrilling driving with educational stops. The guides seem knowledgeable, and the panoramic views of volcanoes like San Antonio and Teneguía are genuinely breathtaking. One potential consideration is that the routes can shift depending on weather conditions—so if you’re visiting during a particularly hot or fire-prone period, be prepared for some changes. This tour is best suited for those who crave a hands-on experience and enjoy discovering natural wonders from a unique perspective.

If you’re after a fun, active way to see La Palma’s volcanic highlights and don’t mind a bit of rugged terrain, this tour ticks many boxes. It’s ideal for adventurous travelers, small groups, and those who appreciate authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Key Points

• Scenic beauty: Ride through the volcanic landscapes, lush forests, and panoramic mountain views.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable guides share insights about La Palma’s volcanoes and natural history.
• Active adventure: Drive your own buggy through rugged terrain, offering a sense of freedom and excitement.
• Flexible routes: Routes can change based on weather, which keeps the experience fresh and safe.
• Small group: Limited to 8 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience.
• Value for money: At around $225, you get approximately 5 hours of guided exploration with memorable sights.

Starting Point and Initial Briefing

Your adventure begins in the village of El Llanito, a charming spot that makes a perfect base for La Palma explorations. Before hopping into your buggy, your guide conducts a brief safety and operation instruction—an essential step to ensure everyone feels confident behind the wheel. The guides, speaking English, Spanish, and German, are praised for their friendliness and clarity.

Crossing the Mountainous Landscapes

Once underway, the route takes you through the Breña Alta and Breña Baja areas, where you’ll enjoy views of the lush vegetation and rugged terrain. Expect to pass through Niquiomo and ascend towards Cumbre Nueva, where the scenery opens up with sweeping vistas of the Aridane Valley. This part of the tour highlights the island’s diverse flora and volcanic geology, making it more than just a drive—it’s an immersive nature experience.

Travelers note how the thick Canary Island pine forests add a fresh scent to the air and provide a striking contrast to the volcanic landscapes. The route here is a true highlight, offering both visual beauty and a taste of the island’s volcanic vitality.

Entering Cumbre Vieja Natural Park

One of the most exciting parts of the tour is riding through the Cumbre Vieja Natural Park. The buggy paths wind through scenic rainforests and towering pines, giving travelers a feel for La Palma’s ecological diversity. Here, you’re likely to see plant life reborn from volcanic ash—an inspiring reminder of nature’s resilience.

The guides do a fantastic job explaining the significance of the Tajogaite volcano, an eruption site from 2021. Reviewers mention how the guides provided detailed explanations about the volcano’s activity and the area’s recovery, adding depth to what might otherwise be just a scenic stop.

Visiting the Volcanoes

The tour continues with visits to the volcanoes of Los Picos and Jedey, with options to see El Charco or Volcano Martín, weather depending. These peaks are striking, with raw volcanic terrain that offers fantastic photo opportunities.

One reviewer mentioned that the guide’s flexibility means you’ll see different volcanoes on different days, which keeps the experience fresh. The highlight for many is reaching the volcanic peaks of San Antonio and Teneguía in Fuencaliente, where the landscape feels otherworldly. The views here, especially of the rugged coastline and volcanic craters, are genuinely unforgettable.

Final Descent and Return

The tour culminates with a return to El Llanito, passing through areas rich in volcanic history. The entire 5-hour experience is well-paced, balancing driving with stops that allow for taking photos and absorbing the scenery.

What the Reviews Say

Multiple reviewers emphasize the quality of the guides, with one stating, “The two guides explained a lot about the volcanoes at the stops,” highlighting the educational component. Guests also appreciate the stunning panoramic views—many describe the scenery as “breathtaking,” especially from the volcanic ridges and mountain viewpoints.

The fun factor of driving a buggy is a recurring theme. One reviewer noted, “Driving the buggies was great fun, and the scenery was incredible.” The small group size of just 8 participants helps keep the experience intimate and engaging.

Some travelers point out that the routes may change based on weather, which is wise to keep in mind, especially during hotter months or fire risk periods. Still, this flexibility helps ensure safety while maintaining a quality experience.

Price and Value

At $225 per person, the tour offers roughly five hours of guided exploration, which includes transportation, safety briefings, and expert commentary. Considering the exclusivity of small-group experiences and the variety of sights, many find this price to be reasonable. It’s an active, immersive way to see La Palma’s volcanic landscape—something that larger, less interactive tours might not deliver.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Bring your driver’s license, as you’ll be operating a buggy.
• Wear comfortable shoes and light, breathable clothing suited to outdoor activity.
• The tour does not include hotel pickup or food, so plan accordingly—perhaps pack a snack or drink.
• Keep an eye on the weather forecast, especially in fire-prone periods, as routes could shift.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you love adventure and natural beauty and want an active way to explore La Palma’s volcanoes, this tour will suit you well. It’s perfect for those comfortable behind the wheel of a buggy and interested in learning about volcanic activity from knowledgeable guides. It’s also suitable for small groups who enjoy a personal touch and in-depth commentary.

However, it’s not ideal for children under 7, given the driving component, and travelers seeking a more relaxed, less active experience might prefer other options like bus tours or guided walks.

The La Palma: Volcano Route Buggy Tour offers a fantastic blend of adventure, natural beauty, and education. The chance to drive through volcanic landscapes while soaking in panoramic views makes it a memorable experience for those craving an active exploration of the island.

You’ll love the expert guides who bring the landscape alive with stories and insights, and the stunning vistas that make every stop worth snapping hundreds of photos. The small group size means you get a more personalized experience, and the flexible routes keep things interesting.

While it does require some physical engagement and a willingness to get a bit muddy or dusty, the overall value—considering the length, scenery, and guidance—is quite good. This tour is best suited for travelers who want an immersive, fun, and authentic way to see La Palma’s volcanic treasures.

If you’re looking for a unique, hands-on experience that combines adventure with natural discovery, this buggy tour is a top pick. Just remember to book in advance, bring your license, and prepare for a day filled with scenic surprises.

Do I need a driver’s license to participate?
Yes. You must bring your driver’s license as you will be operating a buggy during the tour.

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, it’s not suitable for children under 7 years due to the driving activity involved.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 5 hours, including stops and driving time.

Where does the tour start?
It begins in the village of El Llanito, from where all the scenic routes commence.

What is included in the price?
The price covers the guided buggy tour and expert explanations from your guides, who speak English, German, and Spanish.

Are meals or drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included. It’s advisable to bring some snacks or water.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes and light, outdoor-appropriate clothing are recommended. Bring sunscreen and sunglasses for the sun.

Can routes change?
Yes. Routes may be adjusted based on weather conditions, especially during hot or fire-risk periods.

Is this a small-group experience?
Yes, limited to 8 participants, ensuring a more personal and engaging tour.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility in your travel planning.