Puerto de la Cruz: Quad Tour with Off-Road Route, Viewpoints & Photos

Quad dust and ocean views start fast. In about 2.5 hours, you’ll ride out of Puerto de la Cruz, enjoy 30 minutes of off-road fun, and finish at viewpoints that look over the Orotava Valley and Atlantic.

I love that it’s run as a small group (up to 8) with professional guides such as David, Manuel, or Jesus who keep things organized and safety-focused. The one real catch: the off-road section has a medium to high difficulty level, and the activity isn’t suitable for everyone.

Key things I’d plan around

• A short safety briefing (10 minutes) before you hit the dirt
• 30 minutes of true off-road driving on dirt roads, rocky trails, and forest tracks
• Photo stops with real payoff, including Playa de los Roques and Mirador El Lance
• Los Realejos for authentic Canarian atmosphere, not just passing scenery
• Canarian snack with a view from about 800 meters above sea level
• Photos and videos included, so you don’t leave empty-handed

Tenerife’s north by quad: why this beats the usual sightseeing loop

If your Tenerife days are starting to blur together, this kind of tour gives you something physical and specific. You’re not just looking at the island from a bus window. You’re moving through the north of Tenerife—then stopping at viewpoints and local spots where you can actually take in the wild coastline and valley views.

The best part is the mix. You get city orientation in Puerto de la Cruz, you roll through a historic village area, and then you hit an off-road circuit for adrenaline that feels earned. And because the route focuses on the island’s north side, the scenery tends to feel rugged and less polished than the more tour-group-heavy coastlines.

Also, the pacing is built for people who want laughs and movement, not long museum-style waits. In a small group, the tour doesn’t drag.

Price and what $85 gets you in real-world value

At around $85 per person, this isn’t a bargain like a city walking tour—but it also isn’t just “pay to ride.” You’re paying for several practical upgrades that matter once you’re there:

• Quad equipment: helmet and gloves (and raincoat when needed)
• A guided route that gets you to viewpoints and areas you’d likely skip by yourself
• A snack and drink at the viewpoint stop
• Photos and videos after the tour, which is a big deal when dust is involved
• Civil liability and accident insurance coverage

The main thing to watch is what’s not included: there’s no full meal, and there’s no hotel pick-up. So if you’re staying outside Puerto de la Cruz, you’ll want to plan your arrival on time and in person.

If you want a single, ticketed activity that combines transport, gear, guidance, and scenic stops for half a day, this price starts to make sense.

Getting started in Puerto de la Cruz (and why arriving early matters)

The meeting point is listed at C. Aceviño, 2, and you can search for Click and Quads to find it. The tour asks you to arrive 15 minutes early. That sounds like a minor instruction, but it matters because you’ll want time to check in, get fitted, and settle your nerves before helmets go on and engine sounds start.

At the start, you’ll get a short stroll through Puerto de la Cruz’s streets, then a 10-minute safety briefing. This is when the guide sets expectations for how you’ll drive, what’s allowed, and what to do if you’re unsure.

A helpful detail: the quads are described as automatic. That makes a difference for first-timers. You can focus on steering and controlling speed instead of managing shifting.

The guide’s job: keep it fun, keep it safe

This is one of those tours where the guide really changes the experience. You’ll be in a group of up to 8 participants, and the guide is responsible for supervision during the off-road segment.

Guides such as David, Manuel, or Jesus have been noted for making riders comfortable and keeping everyone feeling safe. In practice, that usually means clear instructions, steady pacing, and guidance when the terrain gets rough.

If you’ve ever watched an inexperienced group struggle through dust and rocks, you’ll appreciate why this matters. Off-road driving doesn’t have to feel chaotic. With the right lead, it feels like a controlled thrill.

Playa de los Roques photo stop: a short break with strong payoff

One of the early stops is Playa de los Roques, where you’ll have a 5-minute photo stop. The time is brief, but that’s the point. You’re not on a beach day; you’re using the stop to grab a moment of the coastline and the rugged feeling of Tenerife’s north.

What to expect here: you’ll likely be looking at a coastal view from a vantage point rather than relaxing on sand for a long time. It’s a quick visual reset before you shift from viewpoints to village streets and then into off-road terrain.

Bring your phone, keep your lenses clean, and be ready to move quickly. Dust happens on quad tours, even when the route is well managed.

Los Realejos: where the tour slows down just enough

After Puerto de la Cruz, you head toward Los Realejos, a village known for traditional Canarian architecture and an authentic local feel. This isn’t just a photo-op town. It’s a meaningful change of pace from driving.

The value here is simple: it helps your day feel like more than an adrenaline loop. You get a sense of where you are on Tenerife—built form, local atmosphere, and that Canarian street-life vibe you don’t get from pulling into the biggest attractions only.

If you enjoy small-scale travel—walking a few streets, seeing how locals live, and getting contrast against the coastline—this stop is one of the better parts of the route.

The 30-minute off-road circuit: dirt, rocks, and forest tracks

This is the headline: about 30 minutes of off-road driving. The tour is described with mixed terrain—road driving plus a dedicated off-road section—and the off-road part includes:

• dirt roads
• rocky trails
• forest tracks
• different difficulty levels (as you go)

Difficulty is listed as medium to high, so I’d mentally prepare for bumpy moments. This isn’t a gentle gravel path where everyone cruises. You’ll be on terrain that asks for attention.

Good news: your guide is there to manage safety and pacing. The goal is fun without turning it into a risky free-for-all.

What to keep in mind:

• You’ll want closed-toe shoes because you’re expected to wear proper footwear throughout.
• Plan for dust and grit—expect to leave with that quad-tour “I did something” feeling.
• If you’re nervous on rough terrain, you’ll still likely enjoy it, but you’ll appreciate the guide’s instructions more than anything.

This is ideal for active travelers who want an experience that feels hands-on, not passive.

Mirador El Lance at 800 meters: snack time with the Atlantic and valley

The finishing-style highlight is Mirador El Lance, at about 800 meters above sea level. You’ll stop there for about 15 minutes, and this is where the tour gives you a classic Tenerife reward: a big view.

From this height, you get wide outlooks over the La Orotava Valley and the Atlantic Ocean. It’s the kind of vantage point where you stop moving, breathe, and suddenly understand why people like this island side.

While you’re up there, you’ll enjoy a traditional Canarian snack plus a refreshing drink. This is a smart part of the tour. After off-road driving, a quick food-and-drink moment keeps energy up and helps you feel like you’re not just sweating for views.

If you’re the type who likes taking photos but also wants to actually enjoy the moment, this stop hits a good balance: quick, scenic, and not overlong.

Duration, pacing, and who this tour fits best

The tour lasts about 2.5 hours, with a clear structure:

• setup and safety briefing
• driving segments around Puerto de la Cruz
• stops for photos and village atmosphere
• the main off-road driving block
• viewpoint snack and return driving

The pacing is built for people who want a half-day activity that still leaves room for dinner plans. You’ll be active, but you won’t lose your whole day.

Who it suits best:

• People with a driver’s license who want to try a quad in a guided setting
• Travelers who like off-road terrain and want real driving time
• Action-minded visitors staying near Puerto de la Cruz

Who might want to skip it:

• Children under 7
• Pregnant women
• People with mobility impairments
• Riders without a driver’s license
• Drivers under 18
• People over 70

This isn’t about being picky. It’s about the combination of driving controls, uneven ground, and the physical reality of off-road terrain.

What to wear, what to bring, and what’s a hard no

This tour is very clear about how you should show up, and it’s worth treating that guidance seriously.

Bring:

• Passport or ID card
• Driver’s license
• Comfortable shoes (but closed-toe is the key)
• Closed-toe footwear

Not allowed:

• Sandals or flip-flops
• Bare feet
• Alcohol or drugs
• Alcoholic drinks in the vehicle
• Unaccompanied minors

If you take nothing else from this section: wear shoes that you can walk in and that protect your feet during bumps and stops.

If weather looks sketchy, remember that a raincoat is provided in winter or when it rains. The tour may also be rescheduled if conditions are unsafe.

Tips to get the most out of your quad day (without overthinking it)

A few practical things that will make the experience smoother:

• Plan your check-in timing so you’re not rushing your safety briefing.
• Charge your phone, but also keep expectations realistic. Dust and motion can be unpredictable.
• If you’re sensitive to rough driving, consider how you’ll handle bumpy trails and keep your focus on what the guide says.
• Wear footwear you’re comfortable getting a little dusty in. You’ll thank yourself later when you’re changing back into normal clothes.

One more tip: since photos and videos are included, you don’t have to be the designated cameraman. You can spend more time driving and less time worrying about getting the perfect shot.

Should you book this Puerto de la Cruz quad tour?

Book it if you want a Tenerife day that mixes scenic stops with an actual adrenaline hit. You’ll get 30 minutes of off-road driving, a village moment in Los Realejos, and a viewpoint finish at Mirador El Lance with a Canarian snack and big Atlantic/valley views. The small group size also helps the experience feel controlled rather than crowded.

Skip it if you don’t have a driver’s license, can’t wear closed-toe shoes, or you know that a medium-to-high difficulty off-road ride isn’t your comfort zone. And if your travel style needs a hotel pick-up or a full meal plan, you may find the logistics and snack-only format a bit limiting.

If you like action travel and want value that goes beyond “sit and look,” this one is easy to justify.

FAQ

Where does the quad tour start?

The meeting point is at C. Aceviño, 2. You can also search for Click and Quads to find the exact location.

How long is the tour?

The tour is about 2.5 hours.

How much of the tour is off-road?

You’ll get 30 minutes of off-road driving on an adrenaline-focused circuit.

Do I need a driver’s license to participate?

Yes. The tour requires a driver’s license. People without one can’t drive.

What’s included in the price?

Included are a guided quad tour, a professional guide, helmet and gloves, a raincoat when needed, typical Canarian snacks and drinks, and photos and videos sent after the tour. Civil liability and accident insurance are included too.

Is hotel pick-up included?

No. Hotel pick-up isn’t included, so you’ll need to arrive at the meeting point yourself.

What languages will the guide speak?

The live guide is available in English and Spanish.

What footwear is required?

You need closed-toe shoes. Sandals, flip-flops, and bare feet are not allowed.

Who can’t join this tour?

It’s not suitable for children under 7, pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, people without a driver’s license, drivers under 18, and people over 70.

What happens if the weather is bad?

If weather is unsafe (like rain or strong wind), the tour might be rescheduled. Safety is the priority.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.