Teide ATV Safari with Optional Jet Ski Combo Tenerife

Chío and the Climb Through the Pines

The quad safari starts at a base beside the petrol station in Chío, a quiet village in the municipality of Guía de Isora on the west side of Tenerife. After a safety briefing and riding instructions, the group sets off on the TF-38 mountain road, which climbs from the coast towards the high plateau of Teide National Park. Driver and passenger share each quad, and licensed adults can swap seats along the way.

The climb passes through the Corona Forestal, the great belt of Canary pine forest that wraps around the volcano. These tall pines are adapted to fire and volcanic soil, and their long needles catch moisture from the clouds. Higher up, the trees open onto black lava fields, including flows from the Chinyero eruption of 1909, the most recent on the island's western ridge, and the views reach over the coast to La Gomera.

Mirador de los Poleos and Pico Viejo

The first long stop is the Mirador de los Poleos, a viewpoint on the climb where the landscape changes from forest to volcanic desert. From here you look across a sea of solidified lava towards Pico Viejo, the second-highest volcano in the Canary Islands at about 3,135 metres, which rises right beside Mount Teide. Its huge summit crater, around 800 metres wide, is one of the most impressive in the archipelago.

On the flank of Pico Viejo you can see the dark vents of the 1798 eruption, known as the Narices del Teide, whose lava flows ran down towards the road you are riding. The guide shares the story of these eruptions and how they shaped the island. It is the perfect place for photos of the two volcanoes together, and a good moment to rest before continuing into the park.

The Queen's Shoe and Teide National Park

Teide National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007, protects the Las Cañadas caldera, a vast volcanic basin at around 2,000 metres, surrounded by cliffs and crowned by Mount Teide, at 3,715 metres the highest mountain in Spain. The landscape of lava, pumice and colourful rock is unlike anywhere else in Europe, and the air at this altitude is clear and cool.

The break stop is at the Zapatilla de la Reina, the Queen's Shoe, a weathered rock formation whose shape resembles an elegant shoe. Around it, the eroded volcanic rocks show layers of red, ochre and grey. If you are wondering whether a Teide quad tour is worth it, this is the moment: you stand in the heart of the park with the summit above you. In winter, if snow closes the roads, the guides take an alternative route towards the coast.

Riding the Quad Safely

No off-road experience is needed, but the driver must be over 18 and carry a full, physical car driving licence. Passengers must be at least 7 years old and 1.2 metres tall, and the total weight on each quad cannot exceed 200 kilograms. The guide explains the controls before departure and rides at a steady pace, with frequent stops so that everyone is comfortable.

Temperatures near Teide can be much lower than on the coast, so the thermal jacket, gloves and full-face helmet provided are very welcome. Wear long trousers and closed shoes. A refundable cash security deposit is required for each quad, and an optional insurance upgrade is available on the day. The quad part ends back at the base in Chío about three hours after departure.

Jet Ski Along the South Coast

The second part of the combo takes place on the south coast, at the harbour in San Miguel, about 40 minutes' drive from Chío; transport between the two sites is not included. The jet ski time is arranged by message after booking, and you meet the team 30 minutes before to get ready. No licence or experience is needed, only good physical fitness, and the instructor explains how to ride safely before you set off behind his boat.

The one-hour route follows the volcanic coastline past Montaña Amarilla, a yellow tuff cone with layered rock platforms, the bay of Costa del Silencio, the fishing village of Las Galletas and the red cinder cone of Montaña Roja, depending on the sea. Afterwards you can enjoy coffee, tea, soft drinks or juice and use the showers and toilets. A refundable cash deposit is also required for each jet ski.