If you want to swap beaches for dirt roads, do this. A guided buggy tour takes you into Northern Lanzarote’s volcanic mess and cacti fields, with real off-road tracks and a small group size.

What I like most is the mix: you get road driving first, then the tour actually turns into proper off-road. You’ll be set up with a windbreaker and goggles, which matters once the dust starts flying.

The main drawback is also the point: it gets bumpy and a bit dusty, and the descent can feel intense. If you have back issues or you’re pregnant, this one is not a match.

Key highlights to notice before you go

• Peñas del Chache viewpoint: the highest point on the island, with a break for photos and open-air views
• Northern Lanzarote route: you leave Costa Teguise quickly and spend the time in rougher terrain
• Guatiza quarries to Mala Dam: volcanic ground, old quarry areas, and dry, cactus-dotted scenery
• A guided, safety-focused pace: small group size, with guides who keep everyone together
• Dust management is on you: goggles help, but a face cover is still a smart idea

Where this buggy tour fits on Lanzarote

Northern Lanzarote is where the island feels more rugged and less resort-shaped. This tour is built for that mood. You start near Costa Teguise, then head into areas that look like the island’s volcanic past is still unfolding under your tires.

The timing is also practical. Plan on about 2 to 3 hours in the field, depending on your specific start time and pickup option. That’s a sweet spot if you want adrenaline without losing an entire day, especially if you’re also doing a beach day, a lava-stone drive, or a museum visit.

And because the group is limited (up to 10 participants), you avoid the chaos you sometimes get on bigger tours. You still get the fun of riding as a pack, but the guide can keep an eye on everyone.

Meeting point, pickup, and how the tour actually starts

You’ll meet your guide at the buggy-jet ski shop next to the laundry. If you choose pickup, you begin in Costa Teguise with a short transfer to the activity area.

Once you arrive, the setup is fairly quick:

• you get in your buggy
• you’re given a windbreaker and dust-protection goggles
• then you’re off, first on a track and then into the rougher parts

If you’re using pickup, plan to be ready. The drivers wait no longer than 10 minutes past your scheduled pickup time, and you should wait outside reception about 5 minutes before pickup.

It’s a small detail, but it affects your whole vibe. When you show up on time, you get more time riding and less time stressing.

The buggy you drive, and the rules you must follow

This is a guided experience where you can be the driver or a passenger, depending on the setup in your group.

Here are the key rules that matter:

• Drivers must be at least 20 years old and have a driver’s license for at least 2 years
• You must bring your original driver’s license, copies are not accepted
• Passengers must be at least 1.35 meters tall
• Alcohol and drugs are not allowed

Also, the tour is not for everyone. It’s listed as not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, and anyone under 135 cm.

If you’re sharing, note that you can still ride even if only one person drives, as long as you meet the passenger height requirement. And if you really want your own buggy, it’s allowed if you have the right license and everyone can share appropriately.

Itinerary walkthrough: Guatiza quarries to Peñas del Chache

The route is paced like a ramp up in intensity, not like a slow sightseeing loop. You start with getting comfortable, then you earn the big views at the top.

1) Guatiza quarries: the first real volcanic feel

After setup, you head along a track that passes the old quarries of Guatiza. This is where the terrain starts to tell the story.

Quarry areas can look plain at first glance, but on this tour they matter because they transition you into the island’s volcanic textures: rough ground, dusty air, and that “we are really off the main roads” feeling. It’s a good warm-up before the harder climbs and switchbacks.

This is also a moment to settle in. Fast lane behavior is not what you’re doing here. Instead, think smooth hands and steady posture. Your job is to enjoy the ride without fighting it.

2) Mala Dam and the cacti dotted north

Next you continue toward Mala Dam. The scenery shifts into barren, open areas with cacti scattered across the ground.

This part of the ride is good if you like wide-angle views and harsh beauty. The dam area is not described as a stop for a long walk, so treat it like a “see it from the buggy” segment. The payoff is the sense of scale. Northern Lanzarote feels bigger, emptier, and more dramatic once you’re away from the resort roads.

If you’re the type who likes photos, this is where you start stacking them. The light can be strong here, and the ground color makes for high-contrast shots.

3) Peñas del Chache: highest point, break, and big sky

Then you reach Peñas del Chache, the tallest peak on the island. This is the moment the whole route is aiming for.

You get a break at the highest point to enjoy the views of the rugged volcanic terrain. In plain terms, this is your “why we drove all this way” stop.

One practical note: if it’s breezy or weather is moving in, your view can change fast. A few guides and routes can still be magical in cloudy conditions, but if visibility is poor, you’ll have more sky than scenery. Either way, the air up there is noticeably different, and it can feel colder than down near Costa Teguise. Bring warm layers.

Guides reported as friendly and entertaining on this route include names like Diego, Kevin, Jeshua, Rahul, and David, and they tend to keep the group moving while still making time for pictures at the top.

4) Teseguite descent and El Mojón quarry

After the break, you begin the descent through Teseguite. From a rider’s perspective, this is often the most intense part of the tour.

That’s not because the tour is reckless. It’s because descending rough terrain can feel scarier, especially when the path is narrow or the bumps stack up. Expect that hold-on-tight energy on the way down.

Then you continue toward El Mojón quarry before heading back.

On the way back, you’re basically retracing the logic of the route, but with a different feeling. Going up, you focus on getting to the viewpoint. Coming down, you focus on staying loose in your body and letting the buggy do its job.

What it feels like on the road and off the road

This tour is built for people who want the ride to be the attraction. You should expect:

• road segments to connect to the tracks
• then proper off-road bumps over rougher ground
• changing surfaces, not one long straight trail

It can be intense in the best way. Some riders note the descent is where the adrenaline spikes, and that you should be comfortable with uneven terrain. If you’re expecting smooth and polished, you’ll probably be disappointed.

The buggies themselves are designed for this kind of abuse. The ride can be jumpy and dusty, but that’s part of the point. If you’re worried about feeling out of control, this is where choosing the right mindset helps. Your job is to ride with the pace, not to fight it.

Value for money: what $153 gets you (and why it can be a smart buy)

For a price around $153 per group up to 2, you’re paying for three things at once:

1) the buggy rental and guided route

2) safety-focused instruction and a pace that works for a group

3) the key gear included, like windbreaker and goggles

In other words, you’re not just buying a vehicle ride. You’re buying a guided experience that places you at the highest point, Peñas del Chache, and takes you through specific volcanic and quarry areas you probably would not drive into on your own.

Also, the time is efficient. Two hours can feel short, but it hits the main action without draining your whole day. And if you’re comparing it to other activities in Lanzarote, this one tends to feel more physical, more memorable, and less passive.

Optional extras show up at the end, too. There’s mention of photo packages sold for an additional fee, and some groups said the digital photo set was worth it because you get action shots without having to worry about your camera bouncing in your hands.

What to wear and bring so the tour stays fun

This is where you win or lose the experience. The tour provides windbreaker and goggles, but you still control comfort.

Bring:

• Passport or ID card
• Driver’s license if you plan to drive (original only)
• Comfortable shoes
• Warm clothing, especially for the higher elevation
• Something to block dust if you’re dust-sensitive

And here’s the practical advice that keeps showing up: add a bandana, snood, or face cover. The tour says bandana is not included, and multiple riders call out how dusty it gets. Goggles protect your eyes, but dust in your mouth and on your face is still a thing.

Also, plan for wind. Riders note it can be windy, and that the higher you go, the more weather can bite.

For clothes, think “I don’t mind if this gets marked by Lanzarote.” You will ride in rough terrain, and you should assume you’ll look like you survived a small sandstorm.

Who this tour suits best

This is an excellent fit if:

• you want an active, outdoorsy day instead of another museum hour
• you like off-road driving and can handle bumpy terrain
• you want a guided route to viewpoints like Peñas del Chache
• you’re traveling with a partner or friend, since it’s priced per group up to 2

It’s a weaker match if:

• you have back problems
• you’re pregnant
• you’re under 135 cm tall
• you hate dust or you’re expecting a calm, smooth ride

If you’re the type who likes a little fear, a lot of laughter, and a view at the end, this tour hits that sweet spot.

Should you book the Lanzarote guided volcano buggy tour?

I think you should book it if your idea of a good Lanzarote day is dusty tires, volcanic scenery, and a real payoff viewpoint at Peñas del Chache. The included gear, small group size, and the guided route through quarry and volcanic terrain make it feel like value, not just a novelty ride.

Skip it if you need comfort and predictability. This is not a gentle stroll, and the descent can feel intense. Bring face protection for the dust, dress warm for the higher point, and arrive on time if you choose pickup.

If you want a fun afternoon that feels different from the usual beach-and-lounge plan, this is one of the strongest choices on the island.

FAQ

How long is the Lanzarote guided off-road volcano buggy tour?

It runs for about 2 to 3 hours.

Where do I meet the guide?

You meet at the buggy-jet ski shop next to the laundry.

Is pickup and drop-off available?

Pickup is optional from selected addresses, and you’ll also be dropped back if you choose that option.

What is included in the price?

The price includes the buggy tour, a guide, a windbreaker, and goggles. Pickup and drop-off are included only if you select that option.

Do I need a driver’s license to participate?

Drivers must be at least 20 years old and have a driver’s license for at least 2 years. If you are not driving, you still need to meet the passenger height requirement.

What should I bring with me?

Bring your passport or ID card, comfortable shoes, and warm clothing. If you plan to drive, bring your original driver’s license. A windbreaker is also recommended.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?

No. It is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, or anyone under 135 cm tall. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed.