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

Teide looks better from a quad. This Puerto de la Cruz outing gives you two very different ways to see northern Tenerife: a scenic road ride into Teide National Park, or a mixed road and off-road route through the Orotava Valley. I like the careful safety briefing and the small groups, limited to eight people. I also like the free photos and videos, which save you from trying to handle a phone while riding. The main drawback is simple: the Teide route is entirely on paved roads, while the North Route has only about 30 minutes of off-road riding.

You can choose the calmer, view-focused Teide trip or the rougher North Route, which includes dirt tracks, rocky sections, coastal scenery, villages, and a viewpoint above the valley. The price is $94 per person, a fair deal when you count the guide, equipment, snack, insurance, and media package. Still, single riders may find the cost less easy to swallow, and passengers should know that quad seats can feel tight, especially for two larger adults.

Quick reasons to choose this quad tour

• Two routes, two moods: Ride toward Teide National Park on winding mountain roads, or choose the North Route for a mix of village streets, scenery, and 30 minutes of off-road riding.
• A proper beginner setup: You receive a full safety briefing and a short practice run before heading out, so no previous quad experience is required.
• Small groups matter: With no more than eight participants, the guide can keep an eye on everyone and adjust the pace when needed.
• Local food with the views: Both routes include a traditional Canarian snack and a cold drink at a scenic stop.
• Free photos and videos: Guides take pictures and moving footage during the ride, then send them to you after the tour.
• Strong safety record: Safety is repeatedly praised, with guides including Manuel, Mario, David, Carlos, and Antonello receiving especially warm comments.

Choosing between Teide and the North Route

The two options share the same basic shape: meet in or around Puerto de la Cruz, learn how to operate the quad, follow a guide in a small group, stop for photos and food, then return to town. The feel of each ride is quite different.

The Teide National Park route lasts about three hours and follows paved roads for the entire outing. It is the better choice if you want mountain scenery, high viewpoints, pine forests, lava fields, and the famous sea of clouds without tackling dirt tracks.

The North Route and Off-Road Adventure takes roughly two and a half hours. It mixes regular roads with a 30-minute off-road circuit, where you can meet dirt and rocky trails at three difficulty levels. This is the pick for anyone who wants the machine to do more than cruise along the road.

The stated difficulty for the Teide trip is medium. The North Route is rated intermediate to high, though the off-road section has different levels. I would choose the Teide trip for a first quad ride if you feel nervous, and the North Route if you are comfortable with bumps, loose ground, and a more active ride.

The Teide route: La Orotava to high mountain viewpoints

The Teide outing begins early enough to help you avoid some of the heavier crowds. The route first reaches La Orotava, one of northern Tenerife’s most attractive old towns, with Canarian-style buildings and cobbled streets.

This opening section gives the ride some local character. You are not simply driven straight toward a mountain viewpoint. You pass through a town known for traditional architecture before the road begins to climb.

As the quad rises, the surroundings shift from settled valleys to pine forest and volcanic ground. The road is winding, so you should expect bends rather than fast riding. The pleasure here comes from changing scenery and altitude, not speed.

The first named stop is the La Bermeja viewpoint. From here, you can look down toward the sea of clouds that often gathers below the mountain slopes. Weather controls how much you see, so do not treat the clouds as guaranteed. On a clear day, this should be one of the ride’s strongest photo stops.

The route continues to Corral del Niño, at about 2,300 meters above sea level. This is the high point of the Teide option, with broad views of Mount Teide and the volcanic surroundings. The elevation also brings cooler air. One rider specifically noted that temperatures dropped as the quad climbed, though a raincoat was available.

At the summit stop, you receive a Canarian snack and a drink. That pause matters more than it may sound. After a long climb on winding roads, you get time to take pictures, catch your breath, and enjoy the mountain air instead of rushing straight back down.

This route is a good match for you if scenery matters more than rough riding. It also suits a mixed group in which some people want adventure but nobody wants a demanding off-road circuit. The tradeoff is that you will not drive on dirt during the Teide outing.

The listed Teide departures are 9:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., with daily availability stated. Confirm the exact start time when booking, since the route description presents the morning schedule as the main way to avoid crowds.

The North Route: coast, villages, and 30 minutes off-road

The North Route begins around Puerto de la Cruz and explores the wider municipality before reaching the more physical part of the ride. The route heads toward the island’s last unspoiled beach, described as a natural coastal treasure, with a short stop there.

The beach is not presented as a long swimming break, so think of it as a scenic pause rather than a beach day. You may want to bring your camera, but remember that you will need closed-toe shoes and riding clothes suitable for dust or mud.

From the coast, the tour continues into the historic center of Los Realejos. This is one of the more authentic-feeling villages on the route, and it adds a cultural layer that you will not get from a ride focused only on mountain roads.

Then comes the main event: a 30-minute off-road circuit. Expect dirt tracks and rocky trails, with three levels of difficulty. The precise choice of section can depend on the group and the guide, so the route should feel challenging without turning into a race.

You should not expect 90 minutes of nonstop off-road riding. The rest of the outing takes place on regular roads, including the ride through towns and the climb to the final viewpoint. That balance is useful for first-timers, but riders wanting a full-day dirt-bike style session may find the off-road portion short.

The final climb reaches El Lance viewpoint, around 800 meters above sea level. You can look across the Orotava Valley from here while taking a 10-minute break. A Canarian snack and cold drink are included, giving you a chance to clean off, rest your back, and enjoy the view.

The North Route departs at 1:30 p.m. and is available daily according to the supplied schedule. It takes approximately two and a half hours and combines road riding with the off-road circuit. The route is rated intermediate to high, so choose it for action rather than a gentle sightseeing ride.

Safety comes before the throttle

You begin with a full explanation of the quad controls and safety rules. First-time riders then get a short practice run before joining the main route. That is one of the strongest features of this outing, since operating a quad is not quite as simple as sitting on a scooter.

The guides keep the group together and check that riders feel comfortable. This point comes through clearly in the feedback about Manuel, David, Mario, Carlos, and Antonello, all of whom were praised for patient instruction, friendly manners, and steady attention to safety.

One useful detail is that guides may change the riding order or positions during the route. That can help different people get better photos and gives passengers or nervous drivers a chance to settle in gradually.

The North Route can include genuinely tricky moments. A quad went sideways during one outing, although everyone was safe and the guide helped the shaken riders. That is a good reminder that off-road riding carries some risk, even on a guided circuit.

You should also expect some physical effort. One rider enjoyed the trip but reported lower back pain afterward. The combination of vibration, sitting position, and rough ground can be tiring, especially on the North Route.

What it is like for a first-time driver

You do not need previous quad experience, and several first-time riders found the instructions clear enough to feel comfortable. The practice section is especially useful because it lets you learn braking, steering, and throttle control before the route becomes more scenic or technical.

The guides do not simply hand you a vehicle and send you off. They watch how the group handles the first section and keep the pace suitable for the riders. That makes this a better introduction than an unguided rental.

Still, you should be honest about your comfort level. Left turns felt intimidating to one new rider, and the North Route can involve uneven ground. If you are nervous about driving, the Teide route offers a more straightforward introduction because it stays on pavement.

Drivers must be at least 18 and hold a valid driver’s license. Children under seven cannot participate, and pregnant women should not book. The maximum stated weight is 350 pounds, or 159 kilograms.

You can book a single or double quad, depending on the option selected. Two adults may find the seat area limited, particularly if both are larger or tall. If you want the best control and the most direct riding experience, a single quad is the better choice when available.

Views, food, and the free media package

The guides stop at scenic points so you can take pictures rather than trying to photograph while moving. The free photos and videos are sent after the ride, often through a download link or QR code.

This is a real value point. You get images of the group on the road and at viewpoints without asking a stranger to take a rushed picture. The coverage can vary, though. One rider wished for more video of their own riding, so do not assume every moment will be filmed from the perfect angle.

The snack stop is modest but well judged. You receive a traditional Canarian snack and a drink, not a full meal. It helps break up the ride and gives you a taste of local food without turning the tour into a restaurant outing.

Bring a water bottle if you need more than the included drink, though the supplied information does not state that additional refreshments are provided. Wear clothes you do not mind getting dirty on the North Route. Several riders specifically warned against white clothing and favorite outfits, since dust and spray can remain after the trip.

Closed-toe shoes are mandatory. Sandals and flip-flops are not allowed, and shoes are not provided. In winter or rainy conditions, gloves and a raincoat are supplied, but you should still dress for changing temperatures, especially on the Teide climb.

Is $94 a fair price?

At $94 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see northern Tenerife. It is also more than a short amusement-park quad session. The price makes more sense when you count the guide, helmet, gloves when needed, rain protection in poor weather, insurance, snack, drink, and free photos and videos.

You are also paying for route planning. A guide takes you through mountain roads, viewpoints, villages, and off-road areas that would be harder to connect on your own. The small group size adds value because the guide can keep the ride organized and respond to different skill levels.

Single riders should examine the price more carefully. One experienced participant found the Teide route worth every penny because of the views and the quality of the quads, but also noted that the cost is not low for one person on one machine.

For couples, friends, or families with adult drivers, the value improves if you enjoy both sightseeing and active recreation. The ride lasts between two and a half and three hours, so it occupies a substantial part of your day without requiring a full-day commitment.

Practical details before you book

The meeting point can vary by the option you choose, so check your confirmation carefully. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, and full meals are not part of the price.

The guides speak English, Spanish, and French. The group limit is eight participants, which keeps the ride much more personal than a large convoy.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, useful if you are still arranging the rest of your Tenerife schedule.

The operator may alter or cancel a route for safety reasons. A forest fire once led to a cancellation in the mountain area, with the operator maintaining personal contact and offering new options. That sort of change is frustrating, but it is the right call around active fire risk.

Who should book the Puerto de la Cruz quad tour?

Book the Teide route if you want high mountain views, pine forest, lava fields, La Orotava, and Corral del Niño without off-road riding. It is also the safer choice for a cautious first-timer who wants a scenic introduction.

Book the North Route if the words dirt tracks, rocky trails, and three difficulty levels sound better than a fully paved ride. You will also see coastal scenery, Los Realejos, and El Lance viewpoint, making it a lively mix of action and local surroundings.

Skip it if you dislike riding in traffic, sitting on a vibrating vehicle, getting dirty, or sharing a tight double seat. It is also not suitable if you do not have a driver’s license, are under 18 and want to drive, or fall outside the stated age and weight requirements.

For most active visitors staying in Puerto de la Cruz, I would choose the North Route for fun and the Teide route for scenery. At $94, both offer good value when you want more than a standard sightseeing bus and appreciate having a careful guide handle the route.

FAQ

How much does the Puerto de la Cruz quad tour cost?

The listed price is $94 per person.

How long does the tour last?

The Teide route lasts approximately three hours. The North Route lasts about two and a half hours. The activity duration is listed as between 150 minutes and three hours.

What are the two route choices?

You can choose the Teide National Park route, which is entirely on paved roads, or the North Route, which combines regular roads with about 30 minutes of off-road riding.

When does the Teide route depart?

The listed departure times are 9:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Daily availability is stated.

When does the North Route depart?

The listed departure time is 1:30 p.m., with daily availability stated.

Do I need previous quad-driving experience?

No. The activity begins with a safety briefing and practice instruction, and it is suitable for people without prior experience.

Do I need a driver’s license?

Yes. You must bring a driver’s license, and people without one cannot participate as drivers.

What should I wear?

You must wear closed-toe shoes. Sandals, flip-flops, and bare feet are not allowed. For the North Route, wear clothing that you do not mind getting dirty.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. Each route includes a traditional Canarian snack and a drink. Full meals are not included.

Are photos and videos included?

Yes. Photos and videos taken during the tour are sent to you afterward at no additional charge.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

Who cannot take part?

Children under seven, pregnant women, people over 350 pounds or 159 kilograms, people without a driver’s license, and drivers under 18 are not suitable for this activity.