Maspalomas: Ryker Moto Tour to Fataga (Mountain buggy)

Mountain roads make the ride. This Can-Am Ryker tour combines spectacular views with an easy-going visit to Fataga, and I like that guide Adrian gives first-time riders time to feel comfortable before heading onto the road. I also like the value for couples: two adults can share one Ryker for $88 per person, though you need a car license and the aloe vera stop may not always happen if the group is enjoying the ride.

The trip runs for about two and a half to three hours from Maspalomas, with a small group of no more than 10 people. You ride a three-wheeled road vehicle rather than an off-road buggy, following winding mountain roads toward Fataga and returning via the Mirador Astronómico de la Degollada de las Yeguas.

Key points at a glance

• Share one Ryker for two adults: A booking for two adults includes one motorcycle, which keeps the price lower for couples who are happy to ride together.
• Adrian gets the basics right: His patient induction, calm road guidance, and willingness to adjust the pace are major strengths.
• Fataga gives the tour local character: You get about 40 minutes to stroll among traditional houses, browse small shops, or stop for a drink or ice cream.
• The Degollada lookout is the photo stop: Expect broad views toward Maspalomas, including the famous sand dunes.
• The ride suits beginners with limits: Several first-time riders felt comfortable after instruction, but you still need a valid car license and some confidence on a motorcycle.
• The aloe vera visit may be brief: It is part of the planned experience, but the timing can vary, so do not treat it as the tour’s main attraction.

Why this Maspalomas ride is different

Maspalomas is best known for beaches, resort hotels, and its great sweep of sand dunes. This tour gives you a quick change of scene. Within a short time, the built-up coast gives way to dry mountain scenery, twisting roads, and wide views across southern Gran Canaria.

The Can-Am Ryker makes the trip more social than hiring a normal motorbike. Two people can share one vehicle, and you can switch drivers during the outing if both hold the required license. That arrangement is especially useful for couples who want the fun of riding without paying for two separate machines.

I would describe the Ryker as a road-going three-wheeler with the spirit of a buggy. It is not an off-road excursion, and you are not bouncing over dirt tracks. The appeal comes from open-air riding, the curves of the mountain road, and the freedom to see the island from a lower, more exposed viewpoint than you get from a tour bus.

The small group size helps. With a maximum of 10 participants, the guide can keep an eye on the group and respond if a new rider needs more time. Several first-time drivers found the machines easy to handle after the introduction, but you should not confuse easy to learn with requiring no attention. You still need to manage a road vehicle among other traffic.

Starting in Maspalomas and getting comfortable

The meeting point is at Av. de Moya 6, although the exact meeting details can vary with the option you book. Allow a little extra time to confirm the location. One person found that an old restaurant reference near the meeting point had changed, so checking the current directions before setting out is sensible.

At the office or garage, you complete the paperwork, receive a helmet, and listen to a practical explanation of the Ryker. The guide also gives you a short chance to handle the vehicle before leaving. This is one of the tour’s most important features because the first few minutes are when you decide if the controls feel natural.

Adrian is repeatedly praised for being patient and clear. He does not simply hand over the keys and point toward the mountains. He explains the basics, watches how you settle in, and gives you room to build confidence. If you are nervous because you have never ridden a motorcycle or moped, this calm start can make a real difference.

You must bring your passport or ID card and driver’s license. The activity requires a car license, and drivers must be at least 21. The tour is not suitable for children under 12 or for anyone over 130 kilograms. Comfortable clothes and shoes are the sensible choice, since you will be sitting outdoors and riding for much of the morning or afternoon.

Playa del Inglés and the first road section

The early part of the route passes through Playa del Inglés, with guided sections of about 15 minutes each. This is not the main scenic prize, but it helps connect the resort area with the road into the hills.

I like this transition because it gives you time to get used to the Ryker before the more interesting bends begin. You can settle into the pace, watch the guide, and learn how the group moves together. The road sections are said to be in good condition, which makes the trip less demanding than a rough off-road activity.

The guide controls the pace, but the experience is not meant to feel like a race. If you are new to the vehicle, you can ride at a speed that feels safe. One useful detail from the feedback is that Adrian was willing to let confident riders move a little faster while keeping the overall experience manageable for beginners.

That said, you should be honest about your ability. The tour description notes that some motorcycle experience helps. You do not need to be an expert, but you should be comfortable listening to instructions, making turns, and staying alert on a public road.

Fataga, the tour’s most authentic stop

Fataga is where the excursion shifts from a scenic ride to a small cultural visit. The old village has attractive houses, narrow paths, small shops, and places to stop for a drink, snack, or ice cream. The planned guided portion lasts about 40 minutes, although some of that time is for exploring at your own pace.

I like Fataga because it gives the tour a human scale. You are not only stopping at a viewpoint, taking a picture, and leaving. You get time to walk, look at the buildings, and pick up a small gift. It is a modest stop rather than a major attraction, but that is part of its appeal.

Do not expect a large town packed with sights. Fataga works best as a relaxed pause between road sections. If you want a long meal or a serious shopping stop, the available time may feel short. If you want a stroll, a cold drink, and a chance to stretch your legs, it fits the tour well.

The stop also breaks up the riding. For new drivers, a pause after the climb is welcome. You can think about the route, change drivers if both of you have licenses, and return to the Ryker with a clearer sense of how it handles.

The aloe vera plantation and what to expect

A visit to an aloe vera plantation is included in the planned experience. It adds a local product element to the trip and gives you a break from pure sightseeing. Aloe vera is closely associated with the Canary Islands, so the stop can be useful if you want a little context about an island product rather than only mountain views.

The timing appears to be flexible. One couple did not stop there, apparently because they were enjoying the ride and did not realize until the end that the visit had been missed. I would ask the guide at the start when the plantation stop is planned. That simple question helps you know what to expect and gives the guide a chance to fit it into the route.

I would not book this excursion mainly for the plantation. The strongest parts are the ride, Fataga, and the viewpoints. Think of the aloe stop as a pleasant extra, not the central reason to pay for the tour.

Returning via the Degollada de las Yeguas viewpoint

The return to Maspalomas includes the Mirador Astronómico de la Degollada de las Yeguas. This is the big photo stop, with views across much of the southern part of Gran Canaria and toward Maspalomas’s famous dunes.

The lookout gives you the visual payoff for the climb. From here, the resort area looks very different from ground level. You can see the contrast between the dry hills, the spread of buildings, and the pale band of sand near the coast.

This is also where Adrian has been especially helpful with photographs. He has taken pictures of people with the Rykers, which is useful because taking a good image of both riders and the vehicle is not easy when you are traveling as a pair. Bring your phone, but do not use a selfie stick. Selfie sticks, headphones, smoking, vaping, alcohol, and other prohibited items are not allowed during the activity.

The name includes Astronómico because the viewpoint is also associated with its clear, open setting. The tour does not promise a night stargazing session, so you should think of this as a daytime mountain lookout unless you have booked a different time option.

How the ride feels for a first-time driver

The strongest part of this experience is the balance between instruction and independence. Adrian leads from the front, checks behind him, and keeps the group together without turning the outing into a rigid convoy. Riders who are less confident can take their time, while people with more experience can enjoy the curves at a comfortable pace.

Several first-time drivers found the Ryker surprisingly approachable. The short practice session at the garage matters here. You get a chance to learn before the public road, rather than trying to work everything out while climbing toward Fataga.

Still, I would not recommend this for someone who dislikes driving or feels very anxious around motorcycles. The Ryker is stable in the sense that it has three wheels, but you remain responsible for steering and responding to the road. A valid car license is mandatory, and some motorcycle experience is helpful.

The tour is also more enjoyable when you dress for air movement. Wear comfortable clothing and closed, comfortable shoes. A helmet is included, as is fuel. Insurance covers accidents, but damage to the motorcycle is not covered when the client is responsible for the accident. That is an important point to understand before you set off.

What the $88 price really buys you

At $88 per person, the cost is fair if you value the vehicle, the guide, fuel, helmet, and a small-group road experience. The price is particularly attractive for a couple because two adults share one Ryker rather than automatically paying for two machines.

You can purchase an extra vehicle if each person wants to drive separately, but that changes the total cost. If one person is happy to ride as a passenger, sharing is a sensible way to keep the excursion within a moderate activity budget.

The price does not include food or drinks. Fataga gives you a chance to buy something, but you should budget separately for that. The excursion also does not promise a full meal, so eat beforehand if you know you get hungry during active outings.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those policies are useful if your Gran Canaria plans are still shifting, but the practical details of the meeting point can vary, so confirm them before the day.

Who should book this experience?

I would recommend the tour to couples, friends, and solo visitors who want something more active than a coach trip but less demanding than a full motorcycle expedition. It is especially good for people staying around Maspalomas or Playa del Inglés who want to see the mountain side of the island without arranging their own transport.

It suits first-time Ryker riders better than many motorbike activities because the instruction is patient and the pace can adapt. Adrian’s friendly manner is a real advantage, especially if you are nervous at the start.

It is less suitable if you want a long stop at every attraction, a serious off-road adventure, or complete control over the route. You also need to accept that the aloe vera visit may not receive much time, and that the trip follows public roads rather than private tracks.

Book for the mountain ride and Fataga, then treat the plantation as a bonus. If you have a car license, meet the age and weight requirements, and like the idea of sharing a three-wheeled vehicle, this is a strong way to spend a half day in southern Gran Canaria.

FAQ

Do I need a motorcycle license to drive the Can-Am Ryker?

You need a valid car license to participate as a driver. Some motorcycle experience is helpful, but a motorcycle license is not specified as a requirement in the provided information.

Can two adults share one Ryker?

Yes. A booking for two adults includes one motorcycle to share. You can purchase an additional vehicle if both people want to ride separately.

How long does the tour last?

The activity lasts about two and a half to three hours, depending on the selected start time and the pace of the group.

Is the aloe vera plantation visit guaranteed?

The plantation is part of the planned route, but the timing can vary. Ask the guide when the stop will happen so you know what to expect.

What does the price include?

The price includes the Can-Am Ryker rental, fuel, a helmet, and accident insurance. Damage to the motorcycle is not included if the client is responsible for the accident. Food and drinks cost extra.

Can children join the tour?

Children under 12 cannot participate. Drivers must be at least 21 years old, and the activity is not suitable for people over 130 kilograms.