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

A guided quad tour from Puerto de la Cruz is a fun way to see Tenerife without spending all day driving yourself. I like that you get a real choice, Teide National Park by road or the North Route with 30 minutes off-road, plus a guide who talks through what you’re seeing. If you’re lucky you might roll with Carlos, or another top guide like Manuel, and the ride turns into a mix of safety, stories, and plenty of photo stops.

One thing to plan around: if you pick the Teide option, it’s 100% on-road, so you only get the “quad experience” driving on paved roads, not rocky trails.

Key highlights at a glance

• Two routes, two vibes: Route 1 is mountain viewpoints on road, Route 2 adds a 30-minute dirt circuit
• Morning advantage on the Teide days, with early starts to help you beat the crowd feel
• Canarian snack and drink built into both routes, not just a stop for photos
• Safety-first setup with a full briefing and gear like helmet, gloves, and raincoat when needed
• Small group size (up to 8), which usually means less waiting and more face time with your guide

Choosing Your Quad Adventure: Teide National Park Road Route or North Off-Road

This is one tour with two different routes, and that matters more than you’d think. Route 1 is for people who want sweeping views and a smoother ride up toward Teide, while Route 2 is for people who want rougher terrain and a shorter, more intense off-road hit.

Both routes start and end back at the meeting point near Mamio Verde Adventures La Paz in Puerto de la Cruz. There’s no hotel pickup, so you’ll want to plan on getting yourself there on time.

Route 1 to Teide National Park: La Orotava, La Bermeja, Corral del Niño

Route 1 runs on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, starting at 9:00am. It’s built around the idea of starting early so you can enjoy the mountain viewpoints with less crowd energy.

First you’ll spend time in La Orotava, with its old-town feel, traditional Canarian architecture, and cobblestone streets. Then the driving climbs into pine forests and past lava fields, so even before the viewpoints you’re getting variety.

Next comes La Bermeja viewpoint, where the famous sea of clouds stretches out below you when the weather cooperates. Even when clouds are patchy, the stop is worth it because your guide sets you up to understand what you’re looking at and where the island’s elevation changes show up.

Then the ride continues up toward Corral del Niño, around 2,300 meters above sea level. This is one of the highest-feeling moments of the route, and it’s where you pause for a typical local snack and a refreshing drink before heading back. Route 1 is about about 3 hours, and it’s rated medium in difficulty, but it’s still an on-road experience.

Who Route 1 fits best

If you want the “Teide effect,” views that feel big and open, and a ride that stays mostly steady on paved roads, Route 1 is the clean match. It’s also a good choice if you’re curious about quad biking but you’d rather not handle rocky trails.

Route 2 North Route Quad Tour: Puerto, Los Realejos, and the 30-Minute Off-Road Circuit

Route 2 runs every day, morning or afternoon. This is the one with the action, because you’ll get about 30 minutes off-road on dirt tracks and rocky trails, with three difficulty levels.

The route starts by heading through the Puerto de la Cruz area and toward one of the island’s last unspoiled beach spots, with a brief stop along the way. After that, you go through Los Realejos, including time in its historic center, where you’ll feel the more local side of the north.

Now comes the main event: the dirt circuit. You’ll push your quad on rougher ground, and the three difficulty levels give you options based on how confident you feel that day. Even if it’s your first time on a quad, the tour is designed to be manageable because the briefing covers the basics and you’re not just thrown into chaos.

After the off-road section, you climb to El Lance viewpoint at about 800 meters above sea level. You get about 10 minutes to rest, take in the views over the Orotava Valley, and refuel with a traditional snack and cold drink. Route 2 is about 2.5 hours and mixes road driving plus the off-road circuit, and it’s rated intermediate to high.

Who Route 2 fits best

This is the best bet if you want a ride that feels more like an adventure and less like scenic transport. If you’re the type who wants to feel the quad under you, even for a short time, Route 2 delivers.

Safety Briefing First, Then Real Riding: What It Feels Like on the Ground

Quad tours can go two ways. Either they give you a quick pep talk and you figure it out, or they actually set you up so you enjoy the ride instead of worrying about it.

Here, the tour includes a full safety briefing and protective gear. You get a helmet, and also gloves, plus a raincoat in winter or rainy weather. You’re expected to have a driver’s license, and you’ll get enough instruction that prior experience isn’t required.

The pace is also guided. In multiple accounts, guides like Carlos and Manuel are described as professional and attentive, with a focus on keeping everyone comfortable. One useful detail I like is that you can rotate driving positions so different people get their chance, which helps with photos and keeps it fair when the group mixes drivers who are new versus more confident.

If you’re doing Route 2, the off-road circuit is where your control skills show up, but it’s not presented as a free-for-all. Your guide sets you up, and you ride under supervision.

Photo Stops and Canarian Snacks: When the Tour Gets Its Favorite Moments

This tour isn’t just about moving from point A to point B. It’s built around short stops where you can breathe, look out, and get a break from driving.

On Route 1, the photo moments center on the La Bermeja viewpoint and then the high-altitude pause around Corral del Niño. On Route 2, the big “stretch your legs” moment tends to be the El Lance viewpoint stop after the off-road circuit, plus the off-road brake points where everyone can grab photos.

Both routes include a traditional Canarian snack and drink, which matters because you’re on the clock for a 2.5 to 3 hour experience. It’s also helpful because Tenerife weather can swing, and having that small refresh keeps you going.

After the tour, you get photos and videos sent to you. Some riders specifically mentioned getting them via a QR code, and that’s a nice touch because you don’t have to carry a camera setup while driving.

Small note on media

One recurring comment is that people want more video content of themselves riding. If you’re hoping for lots of action footage, manage your expectations a bit, but the photo side seems strong.

Practical Stuff That Makes or Breaks Your Ride: Shoes, License, and Getting Dirty

This tour has clear rules, and following them makes the day smoother. You must bring a passport or ID card and a valid driver’s license. Closed-toe shoes are mandatory, so skip sandals and flip-flops, and don’t plan on going barefoot.

It’s also not “light and clean.” One of the most honest takeaways from riders is that you can get dirty. That means avoid white or anything you really care about, because even with the air-blast cleanup afterward, you might still have dirt on fabric.

Quad comfort can be very personal. If you’re choosing between a single or double quad option, the seating area can feel tight for very slim riders, and the suggestion from one rider was to consider single driver quads if fit is a concern. If you’re on the larger side, remember there’s a weight limit of 350 lbs (159 kg).

For rain or cold snaps, the raincoat helps, but you’ll still feel the weather. So dress for sun if it’s clear, but bring layers if the mountain air feels chilly.

How Much It Costs and Why It’s Fair Value at $91

At about $91 per person, this quad tour can feel like a splurge until you look at what’s included. You’re not just paying for the vehicle. You’re paying for a guided route, protective gear like helmets, an insurance package for liability and accidents, and the snack and drink stops.

You also get photos and videos after the tour, which saves you from asking other people to shoot footage during your ride. Plus, the small group size of up to 8 means you’re not stuck waiting in a line the whole time.

What isn’t included is just as important for value. There’s no hotel pickup, so you’re responsible for getting to Mamio Verde Adventures La Paz. Full meals aren’t included either, so you’ll want a plan for breakfast before a 9:00am start on Route 1, and for lunch or dinner after.

Who This Quad Tour Is Best For (And Who Should Skip It)

This works best if you want an active day that mixes driving with viewpoints and a bit of Canarian flavor. It’s a strong option for first-time quad riders because the day starts with instruction and a safety briefing.

It’s not a fit if you fall into the limits listed by the tour:

• No children under 7
• Not suitable for pregnant women
• Not suitable for people over 350 lbs (159 kg)
• Requires a driver’s license, and drivers must be 18 or older
• You cannot use sandals or flip-flops

Should You Book the Puerto de la Cruz Quad Tour?

Book it if you want a short, guided adventure that gives you two high payoff choices: Teide views on a calmer on-road route, or North Tenerife off-road fun for about half an hour. I’d pick Route 1 if your priority is sea-of-clouds style mountain scenery and a smooth drive. I’d pick Route 2 if you want dirt, rocky trails, and a real adrenaline bump without committing to a full-day off-road outing.

If you’re picky about staying clean and you hate the idea of getting dusty, bring the right clothing and expect you’ll come back a little rugged looking. And if you want maximum video of your riding, know that photo delivery seems solid, while video volume may feel inconsistent.

FAQ

FAQ

Where does the quad tour start?

You meet at the Mamio Verde Adventures La Paz tourist office in Puerto de la Cruz, and the tour ends back at the same meeting point.

How long is the tour?

It lasts about 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on which route you choose.

What are the route options?

Route 1 is Teide National Park by road. Route 2 is the North Route with mixed road and about 30 minutes of off-road riding.

Is off-road riding included on the Teide route?

No. The Teide National Park route is 100% on-road, while the off-road section is on the North Route.

Do I need any prior quad experience?

No prior experience is required, but there is a full safety briefing before you ride.

Do I need a driver’s license?

Yes. You need a driver’s license, and drivers must be 18 or older.

What should I wear?

Wear closed-toe shoes, because sandals and flip-flops are not allowed. You also should bring a passport or ID card.

What equipment is provided?

You receive a protective helmet, gloves, and a raincoat in winter or rainy weather.

How big is the group?

The tour is a small group, limited to 8 participants.

Is hotel pickup included?

No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You’ll need to get yourself to the meeting point.