Tenerife: Masca Valley and Pirate Village Guided Buggy Tour

A fun and scenic way to explore Tenerife’s iconic landscapes, the Masca Valley and Pirate Village Guided Buggy Tour offers an adventurous slice of the island’s natural beauty. For around $198 per group of up to two people, you’ll spend about 3 hours navigating serpentine mountain roads, stopping for photo-worthy vistas, and walking through the colorful Pirate Village. What we love is how accessible and well-organized the experience is — starting from hotel pickup to safety briefings, everything runs smoothly. Another highlight is the chance to drive a buggy yourself, with guides always ready to lend a hand, making this suitable even for beginners.

A potential consideration is that the tour may not be ideal for those looking for a long, leisurely day — it packs a lot into three hours, which means some might find it a quick snapshot rather than an in-depth exploration. Still, if you’re craving a mix of adventure and scenery, this tour is perfect. It’s best suited for travelers eager for an active experience, who appreciate panoramic views and enjoy a small, intimate group setting.

Key Points

• Well-structured itinerary with stops for photos and walking in the Pirate Village.
• Expert guides who are knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive to safety.
• Accessible for beginners with easy-to-handle buggies and thorough safety briefings.
• Stunning vistas of Masca Valley from the highest viewpoints.
• Small group setting ensures personalized attention.
• Value for money considering the scenic routes, guide expertise, and included hotel pickup.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Experience breakdown: what makes this buggy tour special

This guided buggy adventure packs in a lot for a three-hour window, making it a memorable highlight in your Tenerife trip. From the moment we are picked up from our hotel in the south of the island, the experience starts on a high note. The pickup is included in the price, which simplifies logistics, especially if you’re staying in Los Cristianos or Costa Adeje. The ride takes us to the second office in Guia de Isora, where the guides provide a safety briefing — a must for those new to driving or even if you’re just a little apprehensive about handling a vehicle on mountain roads.

Once equipped, the fun begins. The route takes us through Santiago del Teide, a charming town that acts as a gateway to the mountains and the Masca Valley. The roads are winding and narrow, but the buggies are designed for ease of handling, and guides are always nearby to offer tips or assistance. The thrill of driving through such scenic terrain is something we highly recommend, especially since many reviews mention how the guides make the experience fun and relaxed.

The highlights: Masca’s breathtaking views

One of the main attractions is passing through Masca’s highest point, where the landscape opens up into panoramic vistas. You’ll want to keep your cameras ready — the views of jagged cliffs, lush valleys, and terraced hillsides are genuinely spectacular. Several stops are planned along the way, giving you a chance to step out, breathe in the mountain air, and snap photos. As one reviewer put it, “the views in the village of Masca are priceless,” and we couldn’t agree more.

The Pirate Village: a charming stop

The tour includes a stop at the famous Pirate Village, a colorful spot that offers more than just history. Here, you can walk around, soak up the lively atmosphere, and take photos amid the vibrant murals and rustic buildings. Some travelers have described it as a “quick tour” that offers a glimpse into local life and history, with guides sharing interesting facts about the area’s pirate past. The village also provides a chance to stretch legs and breathe in the fresh mountain air.

Authentic and personalized experience

What makes this tour stand out is the personalized attention from guides like Eugene, who, according to reviews, goes above and beyond. One traveler mentions how Eugene’s knowledge, humor, and pride in the area made the experience unforgettable. The small group size—limited to four participants—ensures that guides can tailor their commentary and assist with driving, making the whole adventure feel intimate and relaxed.

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Practical details: what you need to know

What’s included

The tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off in Los Cristianos and Costa Adeje, so you don’t have to worry about transportation logistics. The experienced guides provide a safety briefing and are always on hand to help. The price covers civil responsibility insurance, and a valid driver’s license is essential for the main driver. The tour also includes scenic stops, the walk in Pirate Village, and memorable photo opportunities.

What to bring

Make sure to bring closed-toe shoes — sandals or flip-flops aren’t suitable for driving the buggies or walking around the village. Dress comfortably for mountain temperatures, which can be cooler and windier at higher elevations.

What’s not included

If you’re keen on capturing high-quality memories, professional photos can be purchased afterward, which many travelers find worth it considering the stunning scenery.

Timing and groups

Tours last about three hours, but check the schedule for available starting times. The group size is limited to four participants, which guarantees personalized guidance and less crowding.

Cancellation and booking

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, you can book with confidence. You also have the flexibility to reserve now and pay later, making it easier to plan around your trip.

Why this tour is a winner

Many travelers rave about their guides, especially Eugene, whose warm personality, local knowledge, and humor shine through. As one reviewer said, “he made sure we knew where we would be driving and how the route would shape, and even took photos along the way.” The scenery consistently impresses, with numerous mentions of breathtaking views that surpass expectations — “the views in Masca are priceless,” one reviewer notes, emphasizing how the landscape here is truly special.

The experience is also about authenticity — driving through small mountain villages, stopping at a colorful Pirate Village, and soaking up the natural beauty of Tenerife. It’s a hands-on adventure, suitable for those who want more than just sightseeing from a bus window.

Value for money

Considering the inclusive pickup, safety gear, expert guidance, scenic stops, and the thrill of driving a buggy, many find the price reasonable. Several reviews highlight the value in terms of the memorable moments and photos they took home.

Who should consider this tour?

This buggy tour is perfect for adventurous travelers who want an active, hands-on experience. It’s especially suitable for those who don’t mind a bit of driving and want a personal touch, as the small group size makes for a more intimate journey. If you’re looking for beautiful scenery, fun guides, and a taste of Tenerife’s mountain charm, this tour hits the mark.

It’s less suitable for travelers who prefer a leisurely, slow-paced day or those with mobility issues, as the focus is on driving and quick stops. Also, if you’re not comfortable driving or are under 21, this experience might not be the best fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are included in Los Cristianos and Costa Adeje. If your hotel is nearby, it’s easy to walk to the pickup point. For customers from the north, a second meeting point in Guia de Isora is available.

Do I need a special driver’s license?
Yes, the main driver must have a valid driver’s license and be over 21 years old.

Is this suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The buggies are designed to be easy to handle, and guides provide a thorough safety briefing and assistance, making it accessible even if you’ve never driven one before.

How long does the tour last?
The activity lasts approximately three hours, including transportation, driving, stops, and walking in the Pirate Village.

Can I buy photos afterward?
Yes, professional photos taken during the tour can be purchased, letting you relive the adventure with high-quality images.

What should I wear?
Closed-toe shoes are necessary, and dress for the mountain weather — layers are a good idea since temperatures can vary.

To sum it up, the Masca Valley and Pirate Village Guided Buggy Tour combines scenic beauty, active fun, and local charm, all delivered by friendly guides who genuinely care about your experience. It’s a fantastic choice for those wanting a slice of adventure on their Tenerife holiday, especially if you value personal attention, spectacular views, and a genuine connection to the island’s rugged landscape. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or just eager to see more than the beaten path, this tour offers an authentic, memorable day that’s worth the modest investment.

You can check availability for your dates here: