Hooked on the idea of old-school wheels in canyons? This 70s buggy ride is built around real driving feel, not just sightseeing from a van. I like that you’re not squeezed into a big crowd, and you get personal attention from guides like Phillipe and Simon, who keep the vibe playful while focusing on safety.

You’ll get two specific wins right away: the vintage VW buggy experience (1960s/70s-style engines) and a day that mixes driving with time on foot along the sea and through canyons. One thing to consider is that the mountain roads can feel curvy, and the buggies can be a bit temperamental, so you’ll want to stay relaxed and follow the guidance closely.

Timing is flexible within the day (you can start between 9am and 5pm), and there’s an included drinks stop at Cercado de Espino in a typical Canarian bar. If weather turns poor, this tour depends on good conditions, so you’ll want some flexibility in your plans.

Key things I’d bet on before you book

• Small group, max 2 travelers per activity and up to 2 people per vehicle
• Vintage VW buggy feel, including moments where the mechanics matter
• Guided time on foot: at least 3 hours by the sea and in the middle of the canyons
• Cercado de Espino drinks stop at a traditional Canarian bar
• Mountain-top views tied to the most exciting driving stretch
• English-speaking guidance, with guides such as Phillipe and Simon

Why a 70s VW buggy ride feels different in Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria’s south can look postcard-simple from a distance. This tour gets you closer to the action by putting you in a 70s-style buggy that you actively drive, with the kind of mechanical personality modern vehicles don’t have. That’s the charm. It’s hands-on, slightly old-school, and it makes the terrain feel immediate.

A big part of the fun is that it isn’t just one long drive. The day blends driving with a walk by the sea and through canyons, which changes the pace. Instead of constantly bouncing in a seat, you get moments where you can look around, breathe, and actually take in the coastline and the canyon terrain.

I also appreciate the small-group setup. With a maximum of 2 travelers, it tends to feel more personal and easier to manage. You’re not fighting for attention at each stop, and the guides can give clearer instructions for driving and safety.

From the port to the sunny side: how you actually get going

Pickup is offered, and if you’re coming from a cruise ship, the experience can include a port pickup. One cruise passenger described a drive of about 45 minutes to the other side of the island, where weather can be sunnier. That matters, because this tour needs good conditions.

The tour runs daily within set hours (9:00 AM to 5:00 PM), and you can start anytime between 9am and 5pm. That flexibility is handy if you’re trying to line up your day around cruise timings, lunch plans, or just the best-weather window.

One more practical point: it’s listed as near public transportation, which can help if you’re not doing a cruise and don’t want to build an entire day around getting a taxi at the last minute.

Inside the driving: vintage engines, curvy roads, and real guidance

Before you turn a wheel, you’ll get instructions from the guides, and they’re focused on keeping things safe while still making it fun. This is key on a route that includes mountain roads. Curves are part of the deal, and the excitement level rises quickly once you’re up and rolling.

The buggies use 1960s/70s VW engines, and that’s where the “old-school” part comes in. One review pointed out that the engines can be a little temperamental, but also emphasized that Phillipe and his mechanic take good care of you. Translation for you: if something acts up, there’s support on hand rather than a do-it-yourself situation.

Is the driving scary? For some people, the first climb and the curvy segments can feel intense. The best way to keep it enjoyable is to treat it like a guided adventure, not a car ride you’re trying to power through. Slow down when asked, follow the route as directed, and keep your focus on the road and your speed.

The at-least-3-hour sea-and-canyon walk: what you’re really signing up for

Even with the buggy driving, the experience is partly about stepping out and moving through the terrain. The overview is clear: you’ll enjoy a walk of at least 3 hours by the sea and in the middle of the canyons.

That mix is what makes the day feel more complete than the typical “drive to a viewpoint, snap a photo, drive away” pattern. On foot, you can better notice how the coastline meets the canyon areas and how the terrain shifts. You’re also more likely to get the best sense of why this part of Gran Canaria feels dramatic compared to the calmer stretches you might see from the road.

What’s nice for your energy level is that the walk is guided and supported. You’re not navigating solo or guessing which paths to take. It’s also one of the few times on a tour like this where you’re not strapped into a vehicle seat, so it helps keep the day from feeling one-note.

Cercado de Espino: drinks stop in a real Canarian bar

One of the most clearly stated inclusions is a drinks stop in Cercado de Espino, at a typical Canarian bar. This is a big value point because it’s not just “here’s a bottle of water.” It’s tied to a real local stop and a break from driving and walking.

In the reviews, people also mentioned sangria and tapas at the mountain-top area, and described enjoying food with views. While food details can vary by day and group flow, the consistent takeaway is that you’re not finishing the tour without a proper pause and a taste of local flavors.

This stop works for your trip in a few ways:

• It gives you a chance to cool down and reset after driving and walking
• It adds a social break that feels more like a local experience than a commercial add-on
• It breaks up the day so you’re not constantly in motion

The mountain top moments: the best views come with curvy roads

The “wow” part for most people is the driving toward a mountain-top point and the view from up there. One review called out the ride to the top as very curvy and noted that it was a little scary, but also the best part of the adventure. That matches the overall energy of the tour: the route is part thrill ride, part scenery.

Once you’re at the higher point, you get the payoff: expansive views, plus time for drinks and possibly tapas or a meal. Another cruise passenger mentioned a stop for lunch at a restaurant placed on the side of the mountain. Whether you hit it as lunch or as a snack moment, the key idea is the same: you’re up high long enough to feel like you earned the view.

If you want a smoother mindset for this segment, think of it as scenic driving with guided expectations. Don’t try to “win” the road. Let the guide set the pace and use their instructions to stay comfortable.

Safety and weather: the one real drawback to plan around

The tour description emphasizes safe driving instructions and that the guides make sure you do the activity safely while having fun. That’s good. But there’s still one practical consideration: good weather is required.

If poor weather causes cancellation, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund. That’s worth planning for, especially if you’re traveling during the shoulder seasons where conditions can change. If your schedule is tight and you hate plan changes, keep in mind this tour depends on weather being workable.

As for physical strain and comfort: the walking component is at least 3 hours by sea and through canyons. That’s not a short stroll. You don’t need to be an athlete, but you should be comfortable walking for that length with uneven terrain that comes with canyon areas.

The other drawback is the vintage vehicle factor. The buggies are fun, but engines can be temperamental. The reassuring part is that there’s a mechanic and the team clearly knows how to handle it. Your job is simple: follow instructions, stay calm if anything feels off, and trust the team to keep you moving.

Price and value: is $270.79 per group a fair deal?

The price listed is $270.79 per group (up to 2) for about 3 hours. On paper, that can look pricey—until you compare what you get for that money.

You’re paying for:

• Small-group experience (max 2 travelers)
• A shared buggy setup limited to 2 people per vehicle
• Guides in English (with owners/guides like Phillipe and Simon showing up in the experience)
• A guided mix of driving plus at least 3 hours of sea-and-canyon walking
• A drinks stop in Cercado de Espino at a typical Canarian bar
• Plus the overall value of a guided mountain-top route and scenic stops

So the value question comes down to this: if you want active driving plus real walking plus drinks, and you don’t want to be part of a large group, it’s a solid fit. If you’re only seeking quick photos and don’t care about driving a buggy, you might feel you could do it cheaper on your own. But if the idea of a vintage VW buggy is why you’re in Gran Canaria, this price starts to look more like paying for access and expertise than just transportation.

One more value detail: many activities like this charge per person. Here it’s per group up to 2, which often makes it easier to justify if you’re traveling as a couple or with a single travel partner.

Who should book this buggy-and-canyon adventure?

This is a great match if you:

• Want a hands-on experience, not just a bus ride
• Like the feeling of vintage machinery and don’t mind that it can be a little quirky
• Enjoy scenic walking and want time away from the road
• Prefer a smaller group setting with more guide attention

It may be less ideal if you:

• Are sensitive to curvy mountain-road driving or feel nervous with driving at height
• Have very limited mobility or struggle with a 3+ hour guided walk
• Can’t adjust plans if weather forces a reschedule

Final call: should you book it?

I’d book this if your goal is to spend a few hours in Gran Canaria that feel more like an adventure than a sightseeing checklist. The combination of 70s VW buggy driving, guided instructions, and the sea-and-canyon walking is what makes it feel complete. The drinks stop in Cercado de Espino adds a real local pause, and the mountain-top views are the part you’ll remember.

Just go in with two expectations: the mountain roads can be intense, and vintage engines have personalities. If you’re comfortable with that, you’re likely to have a day that feels fun, personal, and genuinely Gran Canaria.

FAQ

How long is the 70s buggy ride experience?

It lasts about 3 hours (approx.).

Is pickup included, especially for cruise passengers?

Pickup is offered, and the experience works well for cruise ship guests as well.

What time can I start the tour?

You can start anytime between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM.

What’s included regarding drinks or food?

The tour includes drinks in Cercado de Espino at a typical Canarian bar. Some days may also include tasting-style food with the mountain-top stop.

How many people are allowed per buggy?

You can have up to 2 people per vehicle, and the activity maximum is 2 travelers.

What happens if weather is poor?

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