Tenerife: Volcano Teide Buggy Tour with Wine Tasting & Tapas

If you’re looking for an adventure that combines adrenaline, nature, and a taste of local flavors, then the Tenerife Volcano Teide Buggy Tour with Wine Tasting & Tapas might be just what you need. This small-group experience takes you off-road through some of the island’s most breathtaking scenery, including the lunar-like lava fields of Teide National Park, before winding down with some regional wines and delicious tapas. With a current rating of 4.7 out of 5 from over 180 reviews, it’s clear that many travelers find this combination of thrills and relaxation quite appealing.

What immediately stands out about this tour is the expert guidance, which many reviewers praise for blending informative commentary with friendly service. The off-road buggy ride offers a genuine dose of fun—perfect for those craving adventure—while the latter part of the day provides a slower, scenic experience with local wines and tapas. One thing worth considering is that the tour isn’t overly long, at just about three hours, so it’s a compact but very memorable slice of Tenerife.

This experience is best suited for active travelers who love a mix of outdoor activity, scenic beauty, and a relaxed tasting session at the end. It’s not ideal for very young children or pregnant women, but if you’re comfortable driving or riding in a buggy, and enjoy good views paired with local flavors, this tour could be a highlight of your trip to Tenerife.

Key Points

• Off-road thrill: The buggy adventure is a highlight, offering a fun adrenaline rush and the chance to explore volcanic landscapes up close.
• Stunning scenery: Expect to see the moon-like terrain of Teide National Park and the highest village in the Canary Islands, Vilaflor.
• Expert guides: Tour guides like Jan and Markus are praised for their knowledge, friendly attitude, and multilingual communication.
• Cultural flavor: End the day at a vineyard with a generous glass of wine, Canarian potatoes, and goat cheese, giving a taste of local produce.
• Small-group feel: Limited to 8 participants, which helps ensure personalized attention and a more intimate experience.
• Practical value: Included hotel pickup, safety gear, water, wine, and tapas add to the overall value, making it a well-rounded offering.

Exploring Tenerife’s Volcano and Landscape on a Buggy

Driving a buggy through Tenerife’s volcanic terrain is a chance to feel the island’s raw power and rugged beauty. The tour begins with a quick 15-minute practice session on a circuit, helping even first-timers get comfortable behind the wheel. Once underway, you’ll navigate through the Corona Forest, a lush contrast to the stark lunar landscapes one might expect from the volcanic regions. Many reviews mention how dusty and exhilarating the off-road part can be, with some recommending bringing a bandana or scarf for protection against the dust.

The most talked-about segment is the drive through Teide National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the scenery suddenly takes on a surreal quality. The lava fields, craters, and volcanic cones create an otherworldly backdrop, perfect for photos and awe. Reviewers like Adele have described this as “breathtaking,” noting that driving above the clouds near Mount Teide is unforgettable. The guides, particularly Marcus, add plenty of interesting facts, making the journey both exciting and educational.

The Scenic Drive and Photo Opportunities

The tour includes a scenic drive of about 50 minutes twice, with a break for photos and a chance to soak in the views. Many guests note these moments as the perfect opportunity to capture memories or simply take a breather amid the stunning surroundings. The guides highlight key landmarks and ensure everyone gets a good look, even if some stops are brief.

Off-road Adventure and Safety

The 15-minute off-road practice at the beginning is designed to boost confidence, especially for those new to buggy driving. The guides are friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive, often sharing insights about Tenerife’s geological history and local flora. As one reviewer pointed out, the guides are not just technical experts but also engaging storytellers, making the experience more than just a ride.

Safety gear such as dust goggles, jackets, and gloves is provided, and optional bandanas can be purchased to help with dust. The dust can be intense, especially for those not used to off-road conditions, but most found it part of the fun—adding to the adventure.

The Vineyard and Food Tasting

After the thrill of off-roading and exploring the volcanic landscape, the tour winds down at a local vineyard. Here, you’ll enjoy a glass of local wine—many reviewers rave about its quality—and Canarian tapas, including potatoes and goat cheese. Guests often mention how this relaxed setting offers a perfect contrast to the adrenaline, providing an opportunity to unwind and chat about the day’s highlights.

Reviewers like Dean and Ksenia have appreciated the friendly guides and the relaxed atmosphere, emphasizing the high-quality wine and the chance to learn about local produce from the staff. Some guests even buy bottles to take home, citing the wines as far better than expected for a tour of this nature.

Detailed Itinerary Breakdown

Pickup & Initial Journey

The tour starts with pickup from eight convenient locations including Callao Salvaje, La Caleta, Fañabé, Adeje, Costa Adeje, Playa de las Américas, Los Cristianos, and others. This flexibility means you can hop on easily from most popular tourist areas. The van ride lasts about 30 minutes, giving passengers time to relax or chat with fellow travelers.

Vilaflor and Off-road Practice

Once at Vilaflor, the highest village in Tenerife, participants start with a 15-minute off-road practice ride. This part is crucial for beginners or those unfamiliar with vehicle control but is also fun for experienced drivers craving a quick adrenaline hit.

Exploring Teide National Park

The core of the tour is a 50-minute scenic drive through Teide National Park, where you’ll see volcanic craters, lava flows, and otherworldly landscapes. The first stop is a photo break lasting about 30 minutes, giving everyone a chance to snap some shots and appreciate the vast, almost lunar environment.

The second drive, another 50-minute stretch, continues to showcase the volcanic terrain, with guides pointing out notable landmarks and geological features. Many reviews mention the spectacular views and the sense of being on another planet.

Vineyard & Tasting Session

The final stop at the vineyard lasts about 35 minutes, where you can sample local wines, homemade goat cheese, and Canary potatoes. This laid-back segment is highly praised for its authenticity and quality, offering a genuine taste of Tenerife’s local flavors.

Return & Drop-off

The tour concludes with a 30-minute van ride back to your hotel, with drop-offs at the original pickup points. The entire experience takes about 3 hours, making it a perfect half-day activity.

The Value of the Experience

At $238 per group, the cost might seem steep for some, but considering what’s included—hotel pickup and drop-off, safety gear, water, wine, tapas, and guided commentary—it offers good value. The small group size (limited to 8) enhances the experience, making it personal and flexible, and reviews consistently mention the professionalism and friendliness of the guides.

Many guests comment on how well-organized and safe the activity is, especially regarding the dusty conditions and the need for drivers to have a valid license. The guides, particularly Jan and Markus, earn praise for their knowledge, humor, and ability to keep everyone engaged.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour appeals most to adventure seekers, nature lovers, and those who enjoy combining physical activity with cultural experiences. It’s ideal for travelers who want to see Tenerife’s volcanic landscape from a different perspective and are comfortable driving or riding a buggy. The inclusion of wine and tapas makes it perfect for those wanting a relaxed end to a day of exploration.

However, it’s not suited for children under 4, pregnant women, or anyone with mobility issues. Also, since cash is the only accepted form of payment and a driver’s license is required, planning ahead is advisable.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 3 hours, including pickup, driving, tasting, and drop-off.

What is included in the price?
Hotel pickup and drop-off, safety goggles, jackets and gloves (on request), water, wine, and local tapas are included. Optional bandanas and photos are extra.

What should I bring?
Bring your driver’s license, comfortable shoes, and some cash for additional purchases or tips.

Is there a minimum age to participate?
Yes, children under 4 years old are not suitable, and drivers below 23 years of age need to provide a cash deposit unless they have over 2 years of driving experience.

Can I drive the buggy?
Yes, if you have a valid driver’s license. Non-drivers can ride along as passengers but should be comfortable with off-road driving.

Is the tour suitable for non-drivers?
It is primarily a driving experience, so non-drivers can participate only as passengers.

Do I need to know how to drive off-road?
Not necessarily. The initial practice session helps everyone get comfortable. Guides are attentive and will ensure safety.

Are vegetarian or special diet options available?
The tour specifically mentions local tapas and wine, but there’s no mention of dietary accommodations. It’s best to check directly with the provider.

What is the weather like?
Tenerife’s weather can vary, especially at altitude. Check the forecast and bring layers if needed. Jackets and gloves are provided if requested.

Final Thoughts

The Tenerife Volcano Teide Buggy Tour with Wine Tasting & Tapas offers a dynamic mix of adventure, scenery, and cultural flavor that appeals to a wide range of travelers. The experience’s strength lies in its expert guides, stunning landscapes, and the opportunity to combine outdoor excitement with a relaxed tasting session. It’s perfect for those who want to see Tenerife’s volcanic heart while indulging in some local wines and snacks.

While it’s not a lengthy tour and involves some dust and dirt, many reviewers find that these are small prices to pay for the memorable views and fun. The small-group setting ensures a personal touch, making it feel more like a day out with friends than a generic excursion.

If you’re looking for a balanced activity that combines nature, adventure, and gastronomy, this tour is a winner. It’s especially recommended for active travelers who enjoy a unique way to explore and want to finish with a taste of Tenerife’s local produce. Just remember to bring your camera, a sense of adventure, and maybe a scarf or bandana for dust protection.