Quad adventure Forestal

Traveller rating 4.5 (42)Duration4 hours (approx.)Operated byQuad Excursions TenerifeBook viaViator

Dust, dirt, and real Teide views. I like the small-group pace (max 12) and the chance to ride 35 km through the forest crown of Mount Teide, not just cruise on roads. One drawback: it gets dusty, so if you hate dirt and dry air, you’ll need the right clothes and scarf.

This is a 4-hour quad adventure in Tenerife that mixes proper driving with a real break, including a stop at a local rural hotel restaurant for Canarian tapas and drinks. You’ll also get safety guidance that feels serious, with jeeps leading and following to keep the ride controlled.

What I appreciate most is that this tour is built for riders who want an off-road feel—without turning it into chaos. If you show up ready to follow rules (including the no-phone advice), you’ll have a much better time.

Key things I’d focus on before you go

  • 35 km inside the forest crown of Mount Teide for a true off-road vibe inside UNESCO territory
  • Small group (12 max), so you’re not lost in a pack of quads
  • Teide National Park photo stop with guide talks that add context to what you’re seeing
  • Rural hotel restaurant stop with a variety of Canarian tapas plus drinks
  • Safety culture: helmets and goggles, windbreak jackets, jeeps leading and bringing up the rear

Teide’s forest crown by quad: what this tour really feels like

This quad adventure is for you if you want Tenerife’s wild side without giving up comfort entirely. You drive your own quad around a loop (about 35 km) that takes you through the forested areas around Mount Teide, which is exactly the kind of terrain that feels different from standard bus-and-viewpoint days.

The small group size matters more than you might think. With only a dozen people, you spend more time actually riding, and the guides can keep an eye on everyone. That also makes photo stops more workable, because you’re not waiting forever for the entire convoy to catch up.

The tone of the ride is also practical. Guides give clear instructions, gear up the group, and run the day with rules in mind. One review even called out the jeeps clearly: they lead and then follow from the back, which helps keep quads protected in the rougher parts of the route.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Tenerife.

Your ride route: 35 km of forest tracks, not just a road cruise

The headline is simple: you’re not just driving around town. The route is described as a circuit of 35 km inside the forest crown of Mount Teide, and the ride includes both road sections and forest tracks.

That mix is what makes it fun for most skill levels. If you’re new to quads, the road parts help you settle in and figure out how the machine responds. When you hit the forest tracks, you get the payoff: dust, texture, and that off-road feeling that makes people book this in the first place.

A couple of practical notes will keep you from having a bad surprise:

  • Bring sensible shoes you don’t mind getting dusty.
  • Avoid shorts if you’re heat-sensitive, because metal parts on the quad can get hot (one rider mentioned it hitting quickly even around 30°C).

Also, don’t underestimate wind and dust. You’ll be given helmets and goggles, but if you’re sensitive, a face mask or scarf under the helmet can make the ride feel dramatically more comfortable.

The Teide National Park stop: photos, facts, and viewpoints you can actually see

One solid part of the experience is the Teide National Park stop. This is where you slow down, look around, and get those Teide-area views that are hard to replicate from a viewpoint bus window.

It’s not only “stop and pose.” Guides share short info along the way—some rides include a brief island history intro and pointers on the natural side of Tenerife, including comments tied to flora and fauna. In past groups, guides such as Andrea have been praised for being helpful and good at connecting with people, while others like Sonya and Ricardo were mentioned as friendly and kind.

You’ll also want to treat the photo moments like part of the ride, not an afterthought. Guides actively take pictures during the day (and photos can be available to buy at the end, based on how they run things). So even if you think you’re not a “photo person,” it helps to assume you’ll want at least a few shots.

If you get tempted to stop and fiddle with your phone, watch this carefully: there’s a clear safety emphasis on not using mobiles while riding. I’d follow that rule closely, even when you’re tempted to double-check a route or grab a quick selfie.

The rural tapas break: where the day gets real and you refuel

The ride ends with a stop at a rural hotel restaurant where you taste typical Canarian tapas. This is a big part of the value, because you’re not spending the whole day in “riding mode.” After 35 km of driving, you’ll want food and a place to warm up or cool down depending on conditions.

From what’s been described, you can expect a variety of Canarian tapas, and the day often includes drinks. Several accounts mention beer, water, and soft drinks. Other mentions include a lighter meal like pizza, and even a complimentary aperitif later on.

There’s also a comfort element here: the restaurant stop is where you can swap between drivers if you’re riding as a pair, and where the dust settles. You’ll be hungry by then. One rider even suggested carrying small extras—like water and fruit—if you’re planning on sharing driving time, which is smart if you know you burn energy fast.

Safety and comfort: how this tour keeps quads fun, not stressful

Quad riding can be intimidating if you haven’t done it before. What helps here is the way the day is run: safety instructions upfront, gear provided, and guides positioned to manage the group.

You’ll need a driving license (carne de conducir is listed as required), and there’s also a maximum weight per quad of 150 kg. That matters for fairness and safety, so it’s not a “might be okay” rule.

On the gear side:

  • Helmet and goggles are provided
  • A bandanna is part of the kit for many riders
  • Windbreak jackets are also mentioned as being provided in some tours
  • Sanitisation of helmets is specifically noted in at least one account

One safety detail that makes the ride feel controlled is the convoy style: jeeps leading and bringing up the rear. That gives you a rhythm and reduces the chances of someone slowing down without warning or getting separated on rougher patches.

Now the “comfort checklist,” based on real rider advice:

  • Wear dark clothes and dark shoes if you don’t want your day to become a laundry job. Dust shows up fast.
  • If you’re sensitive to dust, use a face mask or scarf under your helmet.
  • Pack (or wear) a jacket you can remove—temperatures can shift during the day, with some riders describing warm starts, chilly stretches in the forest, and a cooler feeling before the restaurant stop.

And yes, the no-phone rule isn’t just theater. It’s for safety and attention. Following it makes you less distracted, and it helps the guides keep the line moving.

Group size, guides, and the human touch that makes it better

A quad tour can go two ways: either it feels like a factory line, or it feels like a real guided day. This one leans toward the second option because the group stays small and guides manage the pace actively.

You’ll meet at P.º de la Libertad, 19, 38689 Chío, Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Some travelers also have the option of pickup and drop-off from a Tenerife hotel, which is a real time-saver if you don’t want to play taxi logistics on an activity day.

Guide names that have shown up in past groups include Andrea, Enrico and Marco (often mentioned as a pair), plus Sonya and Ricardo. Across those accounts, the common theme is friendly energy paired with rule-following seriousness. People describe guides as funny, helpful, and willing to explain what you’re seeing.

One extra perk worth noting: guides often take photos for the group. That means you’re not constantly stopping to shoot your own pictures while also trying not to stall your quad.

Who should book this quad forest tour (and who might not love it)

This tour suits you if:

  • You want hands-on driving rather than sitting and watching
  • You like a day that combines motion + views + food
  • You’re comfortable following safety instructions and riding rules

It’s also a good match if you’re traveling with someone who wants a shared adventure. If both of you drive, the setup naturally leads to shared “swap” moments and breaks.

You might want to think twice if:

  • You hate dust and strong sun/wind conditions
  • You’re easily bothered by cold swings during rides (some routes can feel chilly after warmer early segments)
  • You don’t want to ride when phones are discouraged (you’ll need to put it away while moving)

Also, keep the driver requirement in mind. If you don’t have the proper license or the weight limit applies, you’ll need another plan.

Value for your time: why this feels like more than a quad rental

The best value here isn’t just the quad itself. It’s the combo:

1) A guided circuit through real off-road terrain around Teide

2) A park stop where the ride becomes sight-seeing

3) A tapas-and-drinks meal that saves you from hunting for food after the action

4) A small group approach that makes the day feel managed

Even without quoting exact prices, you can judge value by what you’re not doing. You’re not spending extra time arranging transport to remote tracks. You’re also not piecing together your own route and guessing where a safe photo stop fits.

And because it’s designed for a group of up to 12, you tend to get more guidance per person. That matters if you want to ride confidently instead of nervously.

One last value note: some riders mention adding quad insurance (a 15€ option comes up in one account). If that’s available when you book, consider it if you’re the cautious type. If you’re very confident with riding and fully understand the risks, you may choose differently—either way, the day’s safety approach helps.

Should you book Quad Excursions Tenerife’s Forestal tour?

Book it if your ideal Tenerife day looks like: driving a quad through rugged forest tracks, stopping for Teide-area views, and ending with a proper meal of Canarian tapas in a rural setting.

Don’t book if you’re looking for a gentle walk-and-sit experience, or if dust and off-road conditions sound like your personal nightmare. This is an active ride, and the comfort is in how well you prepare.

If you do book, I’d come ready with closed shoes, a jacket you can adjust, and either a scarf/mask for dust or at least something protective for your face. Then you’ll get the best of what this tour does well: guided off-road fun with food at the finish line.

FAQ

How long is the Quad adventure Forestal?

The tour lasts about 4 hours.

Is pickup from my hotel available?

Pickup and drop-off are optional, and the tour also notes that it’s near public transportation.

What do I need to drive the quad?

You need a driving license (carne de conducir obligatorio). There’s also a maximum weight per quad of 150 kg.

How many people are in the group?

This activity has a maximum of 12 travelers.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at P.º de la Libertad, 19, 38689 Chío, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain and ends back at the meeting point.

What is included for food and drinks?

You stop at a rural hotel restaurant and can taste a variety of Canarian tapas, with drinks included (described as beer, water, and soft drinks in some cases). Some accounts also mention pizza and an aperitif.

What happens if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. It’s also free to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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