Lanzarote: off-road buggy tour through the volcanic north

What you'll see

A two-to-three-hour drive through Lanzarote's wildest north, well away from the resorts. It doesn't go through Timanfaya: the scenery is old quarries, prickly-pear fields and weathered volcanic cones.

• The old Guatiza quarries, along a panoramic track.
• The Mala reservoir, between dry slopes dotted with cacti.
• Peñas del Chache (671 m), the island's highest point, with a stop for the views.
• The descent through Teseguite towards the El Mojón quarry.

How it works

You meet at the back of the DISA petrol station in Costa Teguise, where parking is free, or book the option with pickup from selected Costa Teguise addresses. There you're given a windbreaker and goggles, a briefing on the buggy, and you set off behind the guide in a group of no more than ten people.

The driver needs their original licence (no photos or copies), must be at least 20 and have held the licence for two years. Anyone in your group who doesn't drive can ride as a passenger. The €150 price is per buggy, which seats two.

The operator warns that the route may change because of roadworks, closures or sports events, and that such changes are not refunded. Bring a layer: up on the Chache it's windy and much cooler than on the coast.

Who I'd recommend it to

• Couples or friends taking turns at the wheel: per buggy, the price is fair split between two.
• Anyone who wants to see the northern interior on tracks a hire car can't use.
• Anyone who has already seen Timanfaya and wants something with adrenaline.

Who I wouldn't recommend it to

• Solo travellers: you pay for the whole buggy. Look at the guided volcano hike instead.
• Anyone after the Timanfaya volcanoes: book the half-day National Park tour.
• Anyone with back problems or who is pregnant: you'll feel the bumps.