Buggy Safari Adventure 700cc

The best part of this 700cc buggy tour is the change of pace. You leave Tenerife’s resort coast behind and climb into the island’s mountain country, where winding roads, village views, and volcanic scenery replace pool bars and busy promenades. You get to drive rather than simply look through a coach window.

I like the combination of real driving and scenic stops, and I like that the route includes Vilaflor and the road toward Teide, not just a quick loop near the beach. A guide named Michael has also been singled out for being friendly and helpful. The main caution is that the advertised farm visit, several photo stops, and cheese tasting may not happen on every departure, and one account described the buggies as very dirty.

Key points to know

• 700cc Articats: You drive an open-air buggy made for mountain roads and a short off-road section.
• Teide route: The outing climbs through Vilaflor toward Pino Gordo, Mirador de Ucanca, and Teide National Park.
• Three-hour format: The afternoon start is 1:00 pm, with the activity ending back at the meeting point.
• Southern Tenerife pickup: Hotel pickup and drop-off are provided from southern Tenerife destinations.
• Driving licence required: You need a valid driving licence, and children must be with an adult.
• Small group size: The maximum is six people, which should allow more direct contact with the guide.

From the coast to Teide in a 700cc Articat

This is not a sightseeing ride where you sit back while someone else does all the work. The point is to handle the buggy yourself, follow a guide through Tenerife’s mountain roads, and get a short burst of off-road driving along the way.

The vehicle is described as a 700cc Articat, a model presented as distinctive to the Canary Islands. In practical terms, that means this is a substantial open-air adventure vehicle rather than a small beach buggy. You should expect wind, dust, road noise, and exposure to the weather. That is part of the appeal, but it also means you should dress for changing mountain conditions rather than only for the warm coast.

The route begins from an ecological farm, according to the planned experience, and heads uphill toward Teide. The journey includes roads around Vilaflor, a traditional Canarian village, then continues toward Pino Gordo, Mirador de Ucanca, and Teide National Park.

You are not promised a long visit inside the national park or access to the summit of Mount Teide. The value here is the route to the volcanic high country, the changing views, and the chance to drive through it. Teide is Spain’s highest point, so reaching the park area gives the outing a clear geographic focus.

What the three-hour route actually offers

The stated duration is about three hours, with a 1:00 pm start. That is long enough to feel like a proper half-day outing, but short enough to fit around other plans in southern Tenerife.

The route is designed as a climb rather than a collection of unrelated attractions. You begin near the lower part of the island, pass through villages, and gain height as the road heads toward Teide. The views should become the main event: Tenerife spreads out below, while the volcanic interior takes over around you.

The planned stops include several picturesque points where you can take photographs. A professional photographer accompanies the guide, so photography is intended to be part of the experience rather than an afterthought. Still, the exact number of stops matters. One account reported stopping at only one viewpoint, despite the expectation of several scenic pauses. I would book this primarily for the drive and the mountain route, then treat the number of photo stops as flexible.

The itinerary also includes a little off-road driving. This is an important distinction. You are not signing up for a full-day rock-crawling expedition, but you should get a short section that adds some mud, bumps, or loose surface beneath the wheels. One positive account praised both the winding mountain roads and the off-road section, describing the driving as a good test of ability.

That comment points to the right expectation. The tour is more engaging than a standard bus trip, but it asks you to pay attention. You will need to steer, manage the vehicle, follow instructions, and handle the bends. If your idea of a holiday outing is quiet observation, a coach trip may suit you better.

Vilaflor, Pino Gordo, and the road into the park

Vilaflor is one of the most appealing named points on the route. It is a traditional Canarian village and gives the trip a human scale before the volcanic scenery takes over. You pass through an inhabited mountain community rather than spending the whole outing on a resort road.

Pino Gordo adds another distinct stop on the climb. The name refers to a large, old pine, and the area helps show how Tenerife changes with altitude. The tour description places it between Vilaflor and the viewpoints near Teide, so it works as part of the gradual transition from village roads to high mountain terrain.

Mirador de Ucanca is one of the route’s major scenic points. A mirador is a viewpoint, and this one is in the Teide area, where volcanic formations and open mountain views give you a very different side of Tenerife. Bring your camera, but remember that the open buggy can make it awkward to protect phones and lenses from dust.

The route then continues into Teide National Park. The supplied details do not promise a cable-car ride, summit permit, long hike, or guided walk. You should therefore see the park as the setting for the drive and viewpoints, not as a separate Teide admission experience.

That distinction helps prevent disappointment. If you want a full Teide excursion with extended stops and time for walks, you may need another activity. If you want to reach the park by a more active route, with the road itself forming much of the experience, this format makes sense.

The food and farm element needs a little caution

The planned outing starts from an ecological farm and includes a stop to sample homemade wine and cheese. That adds a local touch to what could otherwise be a straightforward motor adventure. A small tasting can also break up the driving and give you something connected to Tenerife’s rural side.

However, this is the least certain part of the experience. A complaint described no ecological farm visit and no cheese tasting, along with fewer stops than expected. The operator said the points would be investigated, but there is no guarantee in the supplied details that the tasting appears on every run.

I would regard the wine and cheese as a possible bonus, not the reason to pay for the tour. Book it for the buggy, the mountain roads, and Teide views. If local food is your top priority, choose an experience built around a confirmed winery, farm, or food visit instead.

The same advice applies to the phrase professional photographer. It suggests that photos may be taken during the route, but the information does not explain how many images are included, how you receive them, or if there is an extra charge. Ask before booking if photographs are important to you.

How much driving should you expect?

The positive account of this outing focused on winding mountain roads and the off-road section. That tells you more than the basic phrase buggy safari. You should expect a route where handling the vehicle is central, not a slow parade from one photo point to another.

A 700cc buggy can make the drive feel lively, but the road itself is the real challenge. Tenerife’s climb toward Teide includes bends and changing elevations. You will need to listen to the guide and keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead.

The tour has a maximum of six people. That is a useful size for a guided driving group. The guide can give instructions to a small convoy, and the outing should feel less crowded than a large coach excursion. It also means the group may be affected by the pace and confidence of the other drivers.

A driving licence is required. The supplied information does not state the minimum age, passenger rules, insurance excess, or whether you can change drivers. Those are worth checking directly before you pay, especially if two adults hope to share the driving.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. The data does not state whether young children can ride in a buggy, so do not assume that every child is accepted simply because family participation is mentioned.

Pickup from southern Tenerife and the 1:00 pm start

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included from southern Tenerife destinations. That is valuable if you are staying in the main resort area and do not want to arrange a taxi to a rural meeting point.

The start time is 1:00 pm, and the activity ends back at the meeting point after about three hours. Pickup times may vary by hotel, but the supplied details do not give a full schedule. Confirm the exact collection time and pickup zone after booking.

A mobile ticket is provided, and confirmation arrives when you book. The listed starting location is Tenerife, Tenerife, Canary Islands, while the practical meeting arrangement is handled through the pickup service. Keep your phone charged and have the booking details ready.

The afternoon timing has a useful benefit: you can spend the morning at your hotel or beach before heading inland. The tradeoff is that the trip does not fill a whole day. If you want a long Teide visit with several hours in the park, three hours will feel limited.

Price, group value, and what is included

The listed price is $231.52 per group, shown as covering up to one person. That pricing format is unusual, so I would confirm exactly how the total is calculated for your party before booking. Do not assume that adding a second driver or passenger is covered unless the provider confirms it.

The cost includes a driver-guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, and helmet use. You are paying for the vehicle, the guide, transport, and the chance to drive through a major part of Tenerife’s interior, rather than simply paying for admission to a single attraction.

Value depends on what you want from a three-hour outing. It is reasonable for someone who wants an active route and does not have a rental car. It is less compelling if your main goal is a guaranteed food tasting, a long stay in Teide National Park, or a large number of organized sightseeing stops.

The maximum of six helps the value. A small group generally gives the guide more room to manage driving instructions and answer questions. On the other hand, the experience is still dependent on the group moving together, so the pace may not be entirely your own.

What to wear and what to bring

The buggy is open-air, and the route reaches mountain areas. Even if the coast is warm, you should bring a light layer and wear closed shoes suitable for driving. A helmet is provided, but the information does not list gloves, coats, or other protective clothing.

Dust and road spray are possible during the off-road section, so sunglasses can be useful. Protect your phone or camera when the vehicle leaves the paved road. The planned photo stops make a camera worthwhile, but do not bring anything you cannot secure in a moving open vehicle.

Because the route includes wine tasting, anyone driving should take care with alcohol. The supplied details do not explain the tasting size or how it is handled, so follow the guide’s instructions and do not assume a sample is suitable before driving.

The tour requires good weather. If poor weather cancels it, you are offered another date or a full refund. That rule makes sense for an open-air mountain drive, where rain, wind, or poor visibility can affect comfort and safety.

The main strengths, and the honest weak spots

The strongest feature is the chance to see Tenerife away from the coast while controlling the vehicle yourself. One account praised the mountain bends, the views, and the off-road driving, which are exactly the elements that give this outing its character.

The guide can also make a large difference. Michael was specifically praised for being friendly, and a good guide matters here because you depend on clear instructions while driving in a group. The included guide is not just a narrator. That person sets the pace and helps manage the route.

The weak point is the gap between the advertised plan and what may happen on a particular departure. The ecological farm, several viewpoints, cheese tasting, and scenic stops are described as part of the outing, but one account reported a much shorter version with only one viewpoint and no cheese.

Vehicle condition is another practical concern. One account described the buggies as extremely dirty. An outdoor vehicle will naturally collect dust, but you should still expect basic cleaning and safe equipment. If vehicle condition matters greatly to you, ask the provider about preparation before confirming.

The overall rating is 4.2 from five ratings, which suggests a generally positive but not flawless experience. With such a small number of ratings, I would place more weight on the specific details than on the number itself.

Who should book the buggy safari?

I would recommend this for confident drivers who want a compact, active way to reach Tenerife’s interior. It is especially suited to couples, friends, or small groups who value the road experience as much as the viewpoints.

It also works well if you are staying in southern Tenerife and want pickup included. You can see Vilaflor, the upper mountain roads, and Teide National Park without arranging your own vehicle.

I would hesitate if you dislike wind, dust, bends, or driving in a convoy. I would also choose another excursion if your priority is a guaranteed farm meal, a detailed Teide visit, or a full day of sightseeing.

Book with realistic expectations: think of this as a three-hour mountain drive with scenic pauses and a short off-road section. Treat the tasting and the number of stops as subject to the day’s operation.

Should you book it?

Book the Buggy Safari Adventure 700cc if you want to drive through Tenerife’s mountain country, not just photograph it from a bus. The winding roads, Teide setting, small group size, and off-road section give it more character than a standard island transfer.

Before paying, confirm the exact pickup point, the price for your party, the driver and passenger rules, and whether the farm and tasting are operating that day. If the operator can confirm those details and you are comfortable with an open vehicle, this is a lively way to spend three hours inland.

FAQ

Where does the Buggy Safari Adventure take place?

The activity takes place in Tenerife, in the Canary Islands. The route heads from southern Tenerife toward Vilaflor, Pino Gordo, Mirador de Ucanca, and Teide National Park.

How long does the buggy tour last?

The tour lasts about three hours. It starts at 1:00 pm and ends back at the meeting point.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included from southern Tenerife destinations.

What type of buggy is used?

The experience uses 700cc Articat buggies. They are described as unique to the Canary Islands.

Do I need a driving licence?

Yes. A driving licence is required to take part.

Can children join the tour?

Children must be accompanied by an adult. The supplied information does not state a minimum age or specific child passenger rules.

How many people can join the activity?

The maximum group size is six people.

Is a helmet provided?

Yes. Helmet use is included in the experience.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start are not refunded, and changes within that period are not accepted.