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

The big choice here is simple: take a scenic Teide National Park ride on winding mountain roads, or pick the North Route for 30 minutes of dirt tracks and rocky trails. Both start near Puerto de la Cruz and mix island scenery with the fun of handling a quad.

I like the careful safety briefing and the small groups, which make this a sensible first quad ride. I also like the free photos and videos, plus the Canarian snack at a viewpoint. The main drawback is that the Teide route is entirely on-road, while the off-road section is found only on the shorter North Route.

Key points at a glance

• Two very different routes: Choose mountain views and Teide, or a mixed road and off-road ride through northern Tenerife.
• A reassuring start for beginners: You receive instruction, a helmet, gloves, and a practice run before setting off.
• The Teide route reaches 2,300 meters: Corral del Niño gives you a high mountain view of Mount Teide and the volcanic country around it.
• The North Route includes 30 minutes off-road: Three difficulty levels give the dirt section more bite than a basic sightseeing ride.
• Small groups keep the pace manageable: A maximum of eight participants allows the guide to watch the riders closely.
• Photos, videos, snacks, and drinks are included: You get a useful souvenir package rather than paying extra for every picture.

Two ways to see northern Tenerife by quad

This experience gives you two quite different half-day outings from Puerto de la Cruz. I would not treat them as interchangeable.

The Teide National Park route is the better choice if you want big views, mountain roads, pine forest, lava fields, and the chance to reach high ground without spending time on a dirt circuit. It lasts about three hours and is entirely on-road.

The North Route is shorter, at roughly two and a half hours, but adds the most active riding. You pass through Puerto de la Cruz, visit the island’s last unspoiled beach, ride through Los Realejos, and then tackle a 30-minute off-road circuit. It finishes at El Lance viewpoint, at about 800 meters above sea level.

I like this setup because it lets you match the ride to your holiday mood. Pick Teide for scenery and altitude. Pick the North Route if you want the quad itself to be the main event.

The price is $94 per person. That is not pocket change, especially for a single rider, but it covers the quad, guide, safety equipment, insurance, a snack and drink, plus photos and videos sent afterward. The value improves if you care about the views and would otherwise need to arrange separate transport to several northern viewpoints.

The Teide route: La Orotava to the sea of clouds

The morning Teide outing starts with La Orotava, one of the prettiest towns in the north. Its old center has cobbled streets and traditional Canarian buildings, so the ride begins with local character rather than a quick run straight into the mountains.

From there, the road climbs. You pass through pine forest and volcanic ground as the scenery opens out. The route is not an off-road expedition, so you should book it for the changing views and the pleasure of riding a quad on winding roads, not for mud and rough tracks.

One of the first major stops is La Bermeja viewpoint. From here, you can look over the famous sea of clouds, a broad layer of cloud below the mountain slopes. Conditions in the mountains can change, so the view may vary, but the stop gives the guide time to pause the group and let you take pictures.

The ride continues to Corral del Niño, at approximately 2,300 meters. This is the high point of the route and the place for the grandest views of Teide and the surrounding volcanic country. The altitude also brings cooler air. A raincoat is supplied in winter or wet weather, and it can be useful on the mountain even when Puerto de la Cruz feels warm.

At the summit stop, you receive a traditional Canarian snack and a drink. It is a small touch, but it matters on a three-hour ride, especially after the climb. You get time to catch your breath, take in the clean mountain air, and enjoy the setting instead of simply turning around at a viewpoint.

The Teide route is listed with departures at 9:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., though the description presents it as a morning schedule. Check the available time for your date before booking. The early departure makes the most sense if your goal is to avoid heavier crowds and have cooler conditions on the ascent.

The North Route: beach, villages, and rough tracks

The North Route has a different rhythm. It moves through the municipality of Puerto de la Cruz before heading toward the island’s last unspoiled beach, described as a hidden natural treasure. You make a brief stop there, so this is a scenic pause rather than a beach day.

Next comes Los Realejos, an old northern town with a more local feel than Tenerife’s main resort zones. The ride through its historic center adds a cultural note to what could otherwise be just a motor activity. You see streets and settlements that are easy to miss if you stay on the usual coastal roads.

Then comes the reason to choose this option: a 30-minute off-road circuit. You ride dirt tracks and rocky trails, with three levels of difficulty. The route is described as intermediate to high in difficulty, so do not assume it will feel like a gentle sightseeing drive.

That said, the format gives the guide room to manage different abilities. The instruction begins before the ride, and the off-road section has several difficulty levels. You can expect some challenging patches, but you are not simply sent onto a rough course without preparation.

The North Route combines public roads with the dirt circuit, which means you get a wider taste of the area. You also need to accept the less glamorous side of quad riding: dust, dirt, vibration, and possible lower-back soreness. Wear darker clothes or items you do not mind getting dirty. A short blast of air may remove some dust, but it may not remove it all.

The final stop is El Lance viewpoint, around 800 meters above sea level. You rest for about 10 minutes, enjoy a Canarian snack and a cold drink, and look across the Orotava Valley. It is a good finish because the action gives way to a broad view and a chance to cool down before returning.

Why the safety briefing matters for first-time riders

You do not need prior quad experience, but you do need a valid driver’s license. The guide explains how to operate the quad, then gives you a short practice run before the main ride. That gradual start is especially useful if you are nervous about steering, braking, or cornering.

Several guides are praised by name for their calm instruction and good control of the group, including Manuel, Carlos, Mario, Antonello, Manu, and David. The exact guide depends on the date, but the format is consistent: learn the controls, get comfortable, then move out at a controlled pace.

I would pay close attention during the briefing even if you have ridden a quad before. First-time riders have found the instruction enough to get moving, but some parts can still feel intimidating. One rider found left turns scary, while another described the dirt section as challenging but manageable.

You ride with a helmet, and gloves are included. Raincoats are supplied in winter or rainy weather. Closed-toe shoes are mandatory, so sandals and flip-flops are not allowed. Bring your passport or ID card and driver’s license as well.

Guides, group size, and the feel of the ride

The group is limited to eight participants. That is a useful number for this kind of activity. A guide can keep an eye on the riders, stop at viewpoints, and help someone who needs a little extra time with the controls.

The guides also add more than basic instructions. They explain things about Tenerife, point out sights along the way, and take pictures and videos during the ride. English, Spanish, and French are available.

The pace is not described as a race, and that is good news. You get time for photo stops and views instead of spending the entire outing trying to keep up. On the North Route, the off-road circuit supplies the adrenaline; on the Teide route, the pleasure comes from the climb, the changing scenery, and the high viewpoints.

If you book a double quad, two people share the vehicle, depending on the option selected. This can reduce the cost per person or suit a pair who would rather ride together. For two adults, though, the seating area may feel limited. A single quad gives you more control and room, but it costs more per person.

What is included for the $94 price

The basic package includes your chosen quad route, a single or double quad according to your booking, a professional guide, helmet, liability insurance, and accident insurance. You also receive gloves, plus a raincoat in winter or wet weather.

The food is modest but useful: a traditional Canarian snack and a drink. Do not book this expecting a full meal. You may want to eat beforehand, particularly for the longer Teide ride.

The photo and video service adds real value. The guide takes pictures during the outing, and the files are sent afterward for free. You can enjoy the ride without constantly stopping to manage your own camera, though you should still bring a phone if you want personal shots at the viewpoints.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. The meeting point can vary with the option you select, so check the exact location carefully. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity, and you can reserve now and pay later.

Who should choose each route?

Choose Teide if you want:

• A longer ride of about three hours
• Mountain roads rather than dirt tracks
• Views from La Bermeja and Corral del Niño
• La Orotava and the upper volcanic zone
• A calmer sightseeing focus
• The best chance to avoid crowds with an early start

Choose North Route if you want:

• A shorter outing of about two and a half hours
• Thirty minutes of off-road riding
• Dirt tracks, rocky trails, and three difficulty levels
• A mix of beach, town, valley, and viewpoint
• More physical action and a little more dirt
• The strongest quad-riding element of the two choices

Both routes suit beginners who are willing to listen and follow instructions. The North Route is the better fit for someone seeking a challenge, while the Teide route is easier to recommend to a first-time rider who mainly wants scenery.

The activity is not suitable for children under seven, pregnant women, people over 350 pounds or 159 kilograms, drivers under 18, or anyone without a driver’s license. The supplied information does not state a separate passenger age policy beyond the minimum age, so check the booking details if a child will ride as a passenger.

Small practical details that make a big difference

Wear closed-toe shoes with a secure fit. Sandals are not allowed, and bare feet are not an option. Choose clothes that can handle dust and mud, especially for the North Route.

Bring identification and your driver’s license. Do not arrive expecting to rent a quad without proving you can legally drive one.

Think about the weather and altitude. Teide can be cooler than the coast, and rain protection is supplied in certain conditions. Even on a sunny day, a light extra layer may be sensible for the higher route, though the tour information does not specify a full clothing list.

The ride can be physically tiring. Holding the handlebars, absorbing bumps, and staying alert on turns may leave you sore. If you have back concerns, the North Route deserves extra thought because of its rougher surface.

Finally, allow for the meeting-point detail. There is no hotel transfer, and the point may vary by route or booking option. Sort that out before the day so you are not rushing to the start.

Should you book the Puerto de la Cruz quad tour?

I would book this if you want more than a standard sightseeing coach and like the idea of seeing Tenerife from the driver’s seat. The guides put safety first, the groups stay small, and the free photos mean you can focus on riding rather than documenting every turn.

For the best all-round scenery, choose Teide and take the early departure if available. For the most excitement, choose the North Route, but wear clothes you are happy to dirty and expect the off-road section to require some effort.

At $94, it is a fair value for a guided three-hour mountain outing or a two-and-a-half-hour mixed-terrain ride with equipment, insurance, refreshments, and media included. I would skip it only if you want a completely relaxed day, dislike motor activities, or are looking for a long beach stop. For an active half-day in northern Tenerife, it is a strong choice.

FAQ

Do I need previous quad-driving experience?

No. The tour begins with a full safety briefing and instructions on how to operate the quad. You also get a short practice run before setting off.

Which route goes to Mount Teide?

The Teide National Park route goes through La Orotava, pine forests, and lava fields before reaching La Bermeja and Corral del Niño at about 2,300 meters.

Which route includes off-road riding?

The North Route includes a 30-minute off-road circuit on dirt tracks and rocky trails. The Teide route is entirely on-road.

How long does each route last?

The Teide route lasts about three hours. The North Route lasts approximately two and a half hours, or 150 minutes.

What languages do the guides speak?

The live guides speak English, Spanish, and French.

What should I bring?

Bring your passport or ID card, driver’s license, and closed-toe shoes. Sandals and flip-flops are not allowed.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, and the meeting point may vary depending on the option booked.