Puerto de la Cruz: Off-Road Adventure in Quad, Snack and Photos

Quad riding in Tenerife from Puerto de la Cruz is a great way to get fresh air and see Teide from the north side without being stuck in a vehicle. I love the mix of road and dirt tracks and the way guides like Jesus keep it fun and well-controlled. One drawback: you must have a valid Class B driving license, with the real card, before you can ride.

The route is built for views, with stops around Puerto de la Cruz and La Orotava, plus a mountain look where Teide and the north area show up big. You also get included helmet and oilskin, so rain does not automatically kill the day, as some past groups proved.

With a max of 8 riders, you are not stuck in a huge line. Plan on about 2.5 hours total, then you roll back to the same meeting point.

Key things to know before you go

• Max 8 riders means you get closer attention from the guide
• Teide viewpoints from the north are a big part of the payoff
• Road plus dirt-track riding keeps the day from feeling repetitive
• Helmet, oilskin, and soda/pop are included, so you pack less
• Photos and videos are included, which saves time later
• You need a valid Class B driver’s license (no copies or photos)

Why a guided quad ride works so well in North Tenerife

North Tenerife has a very different feel than the beachy postcards. It is more laid-back, more local-road-real, and it has plenty of spots where the views open up fast. A quad tour fits that vibe perfectly. You trade the window-seat view for open air, sea breezes, and dirt-track detours that you would never pick on your own.

What makes this experience particularly appealing is the way it mixes driving style with scenery. You spend time on normal roads and then switch to dirt tracks when the terrain allows it. That matters because it keeps the ride from becoming only bumpy or only flat. You get variety, and you still have moments to slow down for the good viewpoints.

And the guide side is not just a safety lecture. People consistently talk about guides such as Jesus and Carlos making the group feel welcome. That is important on a small ride like this, because it is part tour, part confidence-building, and part sightseeing.

Getting on the quad: license rules, safety gear, and how the day starts

Before you do anything, the tour is clear about one non-negotiable item: a valid driving license is required. It is not enough to show a photo, scan, or copy. The requirement is an essential physical Class B driver’s license. If you do not have it, you cannot ride.

That rule is not there to be annoying. It is there because you are actually driving, not sitting on the back. You are taking a real off-road route with real road textures, so the operator needs proof you meet the minimum standard to handle the controls safely.

On top of the license, you get gear that helps you enjoy the day instead of thinking about it constantly. The tour includes a helmet and oilskin, plus a soda/pop. Oilskin is a big deal in Tenerife because weather can flip quickly, especially on routes that climb. Past groups even highlighted that the ride can still be great in heavy rain, which tells me the plan accounts for less-than-ideal conditions.

The meeting point is also straightforward. You start at Click and Quads, C. Aceviño, 2, 38400 Puerto de la Cruz, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain, and you end back at the same place. That makes it easier to line up lunch or your evening plans.

The ride rhythm: 2.5 hours that mix control, thrills, and stops

This is about 2 hours 30 minutes on the clock, with the actual driving and sightseeing combined. For many people, the appeal is exactly that mix. You are not just “going fast” for speed’s sake. You are driving through varied terrain while the guide times stops for views.

A couple of practical details that make the ride smoother for first-timers:

• The group size is capped at 8 travelers, which usually means fewer waiting moments and more guide attention.
• The tour is offered in English, so you can understand route guidance and what to watch for.

How it feels on the ground depends on the day, but the structure is consistent: roads and dirt tracks leading up toward higher ground. Along the way, you pass through areas that include the Puerto de la Cruz side and the La Orotava area. Even if you do not know those places well, you will likely feel the change in terrain as you move away from the flatter coastal bustle and toward the mountain viewpoints.

If you like photos, this part is a win too. You are constantly surrounded by angles you cannot get from a standard car route. It is the kind of riding where every turn can bring a new view, not just the same scenery repeating.

Puerto de la Cruz and La Orotava: why these towns matter on a quad route

Starting in Puerto de la Cruz is a smart choice for this tour because it anchors you in a real base area with an easy start. From there, the ride threads toward La Orotava, a place known for its charming town feel and classic Tenerife vibe.

Even without a deep guidebook lecture, the value here is the route itself. A quad tour is built to take you through the kind of in-between roads that connect places you would otherwise only see from the highway. You get to experience the island as locals move through it, not just as tourists drive past it.

You also tend to get a more “I am actually here” feeling when the tour includes a mix of stopping points. In this case, the day includes stops tied to Puerto de la Cruz and La Orotava, before the ride reaches the mountain viewpoint where the big view happens. That step-by-step rhythm keeps the sightseeing from feeling random.

Reaching the mountain and seeing Teide from the north

The highlight is the climb toward a mountain area where you get spectacular views of Teide along with the northern area of Tenerife. That is the part that makes people talk about the day after they get home.

Why? Because Teide is famous, but seeing it in a way that includes the north side gives you context. It is not just a single peak in the distance. The view typically shows how the island rises, how the terrain changes, and how wide the northern coast stretches.

This is where having an expert guide helps most. A good guide knows where the best sightlines are and how to time stops. It also helps with pacing. You do not want to rush the views and you do not want to slow down so much that the group loses energy. The guiding style mentioned in past experiences, including professional and fun communication, is exactly what you want in this phase.

And if the weather turns? The fact that people have done the ride even in heavy rain suggests that the route is planned to stay active in variable conditions. You might not always get the same clarity, but you still get the experience of driving the island and reaching the viewpoint.

Photos and videos: what you get, and why it matters more than you think

Most quad tours force you to choose between driving and shooting photos. This one lowers that stress. Photographs and videos are included, which means you spend less time balancing a camera and more time enjoying the ride.

That added value matters because you will likely want proof of the whole day: the quad driving shots, the viewpoint moments, and the group memories. You also get to avoid the awkward “we are both trying to take the photo” problem. With a small group, the guide’s ability to capture moments becomes part of why the ride is so easy to recommend.

Also included is the soda/pop, which gives you a quick break during the experience. It is not a big meal replacement, but it is a helpful pause that keeps the day feeling comfortable.

The value question: is $96.75 a smart deal?

At $96.75 per person, the cost can feel like a splurge at first glance. But when you break down what is included, the pricing starts to make more sense.

You are paying for a real guided off-road route with:

• Helmet and oilskin included
• All fees and taxes included
• Soda/pop included
• Photos and videos included
• A small group (max 8)

You are also paying for the guide work, which is what keeps the route fun and safe. In a quad setting, a good guide is not optional. They manage the pace, explain driving expectations, and make sure everyone stays on track.

The price is also a better fit if you are traveling as a group. There are group discounts, which can reduce the per-person cost. If you are with friends or family, this is one of those activities where splitting the logistics often feels easier than booking multiple separate things.

One thing to be aware of: it is not an air-conditioned day. Air-conditioned vehicle is listed as not included, which is logical since this is an outdoor ride. If you strongly prefer AC time, you will need to plan your breaks accordingly.

Who this quad tour is best for

This tour fits best if you want active sightseeing. You like the idea of driving your own quad, not sitting passively in a vehicle. You also want the scenery payoff, including Teide views and North Tenerife viewpoints.

It should work well for:

• People who want a highlight activity without spending all day planning
• Travelers comfortable following a guide and driving legally with a Class B license
• Groups that like small settings. The max of 8 riders supports that.

It is likely not a fit if you:

• Do not have the required driving license
• Prefer staying in fully climate-controlled transport all day
• Want a long, slow cultural walking tour instead of an outdoor driving experience

Guide personalities that show up in the experience

When people talk about this tour, they keep returning to the same theme: the guide makes the difference between a “ride” and a memorable outing.

Names that come up include Jesus, Carlos, and Manuel. One account described Jesus as expertly guided, professional, and fun at the same time. Another mentioned Carlos making everyone feel welcome. Manuel was described as professional too.

What I take from that pattern is simple: if the guide is organized and upbeat, the group feels safer and more relaxed. That affects everything from how quickly you learn the controls to whether you actually enjoy the bumpy moments instead of bracing through them.

Even small touches seem to help. People mention a drink for each person, and some mention a small end-of-ride gift. Not every tour might do that in exactly the same way, but the tone described suggests the operator aims for a friendly, wrap-up moment at the end.

Should you book Click and Quads in Puerto de la Cruz?

If your ideal Tenerife day includes driving a quad, getting real north-side Teide views, and doing it with a small group and included photos, then yes, this is worth a serious look.

Book it when:

• You have a valid physical Class B driving license
• You want an active tour that still includes planned sightseeing stops like Puerto de la Cruz and La Orotava
• You value having photos and videos included, so you can enjoy the experience without micromanaging your camera

Skip it if:

• You cannot meet the license requirement
• You hate the idea of an outdoor ride that might happen in rain
• You want mostly indoor sightseeing or long museum-style time

FAQ

How long is the quad adventure?

It runs about 2 hours 30 minutes.

Where do we meet and where does the tour end?

Meet at Click and Quads, C. Aceviño, 2, 38400 Puerto de la Cruz, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Do I need a driving license to ride a quad?

Yes. A valid physical Class B driver’s license is required, and photos or copies are not accepted.

What’s included in the price?

Included are all fees and taxes, a helmet, soda/pop, photographs and videos, and oilskin.

Are alcoholic beverages included?

No. Alcoholic beverages are not included.

What’s the group size limit?

The tour has a maximum of 8 travelers.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it is offered in English.

Can I cancel and get a full refund?

Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.