Peñas del Chache comes with a dirt-road thrill. On this guided buggy tour from Costa Teguise, I like the volcanic off-road route and the view stop at Lanzarote’s highest point. The main trade-off is simple: it’s bumpy, can be windy, and you may get dusty for real, so plan for grit on your clothes.

You’ll start with a small-group format (max 10 people) and get set up with a windbreaker and dust-protection goggles. If you’re after an afternoon that feels like you left the resort bubble behind, this is one of the best ways to do it in a couple of hours.

Key things to know before you ride

• Peñas del Chache is the payoff: a break at the top where the scenery actually justifies the climb
• You leave the seaside: the route shifts from resort access roads into rough northern tracks
• Gear is included: windbreaker plus goggles help with cold air and dust
• Small groups keep it fun: limited to 10 participants, which matters when the terrain narrows
• Guides handle the pace: they keep the ride exciting but controlled, with frequent photo moments

Why Northern Lanzarote needs a buggy (not a bus)

Northern Lanzarote has that stark, volcanic feel that postcards rarely capture. This tour takes you off the obvious beachfront path and into the island’s harsher, cactus-dotted country where old quarries and barren stretches still shape the ground.

What I like is that the experience stays active. It’s not just a look-see stop. You’re constantly moving over mixed surfaces, so the trip feels like a real adventure rather than a sightseeing checklist.

The value here is also practical. For around a couple of hours, you get a full “north Lanzarote sampler”: quarries, dams, open lunar-looking terrain, and the highest viewpoints in the area.

Getting setup in Costa Teguise: gear, timing, and driver rules

Most people meet at the buggy-jet ski shop next to the laundry, then head out from Costa Teguise. There’s also an optional pickup from selected addresses, so you can save time if your hotel is included. Either way, you’ll want to arrive on time—drivers won’t wait long after the scheduled pickup window.

Before you go anywhere wild, you’ll get briefed and fitted with a windbreaker and dust-protection goggles. Reviews also point out that it can get colder the higher you go, so that windbreaker isn’t just for show.

Here’s who can ride and who shouldn’t:

• The driver must be at least 20 years old with a driver’s license for at least 2 years
• Passengers must be at least 1.35 meters tall
• You’ll need your original driver’s license (copies aren’t accepted)
• It’s not suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems
• Alcohol and drugs aren’t allowed

Also note the format: small group, up to 10 participants. That matters on bumpy routes, because the guide can keep track of everyone and the pace stays manageable.

Route breakdown: Guatiza quarries to Mala Dam and the climb to Peñas del Chache

The route starts with a scenic track and quickly turns into the kind of terrain you don’t see from the road. The early portion passes through the old quarries of Guatiza. You’ll feel the difference immediately—less smooth, more rugged, and clearly outside the usual tourist corridors.

Next comes Mala Dam. This is where the route earns its reputation. The terrain gets more barren, with cacti scattered across open ground, and the driving feels less like a ride and more like a controlled off-road scramble.

Then the tour turns toward Peñas del Chache, the highest point on the island. This climb is the big moment, and it’s where you should expect real work from the buggy and real adrenaline from the humans inside it. Multiple reviews mention the paths can be narrow and bumpy, with switchbacks and rough segments that make you pay attention.

I’d also expect mixed surfaces. You’ll do some on-road driving to link the trails, then switch into dirt tracks with rocks and ruts. That “stop-and-go but nonstop motion” feeling is exactly why people love this tour.

Peñas del Chache viewpoint stop: what happens at the top

Reaching Peñas del Chache is the headline. The tour includes a break so you can take in the views properly instead of snapping a rushed picture while bouncing around.

This is also where weather can surprise you. Reviews mention wind and colder air at higher altitude, plus conditions like rain or low cloud that can reduce visibility. Even then, the experience still lands because the route itself is the star, and the moment at the top is usually memorable either way.

If you want to maximize your photos, plan to use the break time for:

• wide shots (you’ll see the island’s raw volcanic shape better from elevation)
• a few close-up angles of your buggy and group
• quick checks for dust on lenses and goggles before you ride again

Guides in the reviews also mention taking pictures throughout the trip, so you might end up with plenty even if the weather shifts.

Downhill via Teseguite to El Mojón quarry: where the ride gets scary-fun

The descent is often the most dramatic part. After the top, you’ll head down through Teseguite on your way to the El Mojón quarry before returning to Costa Teguise.

Several reviews make the same point: the downhill can feel more intense than the climb. The buggy is built for this, but your body still notices the rough terrain. If you’re prone to motion discomfort or you tense up easily, this is where you’ll want to hold on, breathe, and let the guide manage the pace.

This segment also tends to be dusty and windy. That matters because the experience is less about staying perfectly clean and more about enjoying the full off-road vibe. One reviewer even said they didn’t get as dirty as expected—but others explicitly warn dust is a big factor.

So if you’re aiming for a “nice outfit” day, you’ll probably want to rethink that. Pack clothes you don’t mind roughing up.

Price and value: is $153 per group up to 2 actually a deal?

At about $153 per group up to 2, the math can be pretty friendly—especially if you’re a couple or small party sharing one buggy. The price includes the buggy tour, guide, windbreaker, and goggles, which removes a chunk of common add-on costs.

What’s not included is also straightforward: food and drinks, plus bandana. That’s the only big gap. You can fix the bandana issue easily with a scarf or neck cover you bring yourself, and you’ll still have the essentials covered by the tour gear.

There’s also often a photo option at the end. Reviews mention an extra purchase around €15 for the guided photo set, with digital delivery. It’s not required, but if you’re paying for adventure, you may want the proof.

Bottom line: you’re paying for real off-road time, not a quick scenic drive. If you enjoy driving over mixed terrain and you want a guided route into the north’s volcanic corners, this looks like strong value.

Comfort and packing list: how to stay warm and keep dust off your day

This is where you can turn a good tour into an enjoyable one. The essentials are already provided—windbreaker and goggles—but your clothing choices still make a big difference.

Bring:

• Comfortable shoes with grip
• Warm clothing, especially for the higher sections
• A windproof layer you can tolerate getting dusty
• A bandana or neck gaiter/face cover (not included)

The dust factor shows up again and again in reviews. Even with goggles, you’ll still want face coverage for your mouth and nose if you’re sensitive. One reviewer recommended neck gators specifically, and that tracks with what most people feel on dusty downhill sections.

Also remember this is not an alcohol-based outing. Alcohol and drugs aren’t allowed, so the ride stays focused and safer, even when the terrain gets intense.

If you’re doing this on a windy day, the “windbreaker + goggles” combo helps, but you may still want gloves if you have them. Not listed in the essentials, but it can make holding on more comfortable on rough sections.

Guides, pacing, and photos: what makes the tour feel safe and fun

Most of the best feedback is about the guides. People call out friendly energy, clear instructions, and keeping everyone together on bumpy, uneven terrain.

You’ll hear guide names like Diego, Kevin, Jeshua, Rahul, and David in the reviews. The consistent theme: they’re professional about safety while still letting you feel the thrill. One review specifically praised how the guide kept speeds safe but never boring, which is exactly the balance you want on switchbacks and rough tracks.

Guides also play a big role in photos and video. Many reviews mention that the guide takes pictures throughout the trip and offers a photo package at the end. If you’d rather focus on driving and not on constantly grabbing your phone, that’s a real benefit.

Group size helps too. With a max of 10 participants, it’s easier for the guide to manage spacing and keep the ride from turning into a chaotic shuffle.

Who should book this buggy tour (and who should skip it)

Book this if:

• you want serious off-road time rather than a tame scenic loop
• you enjoy adrenaline that’s controlled (bumpy, sketchy-feeling spots, but guided)
• you want big views from Peñas del Chache without doing heavy planning yourself
• you’re okay with wind, cold at higher altitudes, and dust

Skip it if:

• you’re pregnant or have back problems
• you’re under 1.35 meters tall
• you’re hoping for a smooth, clean, comfortable ride like a car rental

Also, if you’re deciding between driving and being a passenger, remember driving requires an eligible license and age. If that’s not your situation, you can still join as a passenger—just be ready for the downhill bumps and the dust.

Should you book it?

Yes—if you want a guided adventure day that’s short enough to fit any Lanzarote plan but wild enough to feel like a highlight. The mix of Guatiza quarries, Mala Dam, and the top stop at Peñas del Chache is a rare “full loop” in a limited time window.

If you’re sensitive to rough terrain or you hate dust, bring face coverage and dress like the buggy is part of the plan. When you do that, this tour is exactly the kind of trip that gives you a story worth telling on the flight home.

FAQ

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

The tour runs about 2 to 3 hours. Starting times depend on availability.

Where do I meet the guide?

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

Is pickup available from Costa Teguise?

Pickup is optional from selected addresses. If you choose it, you should wait outside reception about 5 minutes before your scheduled pickup time.

What’s included in the tour price?

Included are the buggy tour, guide, windbreaker, and goggles. Pickup and drop-off are included if you select that option.

What should I bring with me?

Bring your passport or ID card, your original driver’s license (if you will drive), comfortable shoes, and warm clothing. The windbreaker helps, but you may still feel cooler at altitude.

Can I drive my own buggy?

You can ride your own buggy as long as you have a driver’s license. You can also share a buggy if the other participants don’t have a license.

Are there limits on who can ride?

Drivers must be at least 20 and have held a license for at least 2 years. Passengers must be at least 1.35 meters tall. There are no weight restrictions, but it’s not suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems.

What’s not included during the tour?

Food and drinks are not included. Bandana is also not included, so bring your own face covering if dust bothers you.

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