Tenerife: Discovery of the Island on Caterham Lotus 7

The Tenerife: Discovery of the Island on Caterham Lotus 7 offers a unique chance to explore this stunning Canary Island at the wheel of a legendary sportscar. For $117 per group, you can choose from test drives lasting between 1.5 and 8.5 hours, with the option to drive yourself or opt for a professional driver. Starting from C. Bencomo, 54, this tour is suitable for anyone craving an adrenaline rush combined with scenic beauty. The brand-new Caterham 340 SV models boast an impressive 340 horsepower per ton, promising a driving experience that feels like a mix between karting and quad biking but on a much more exhilarating scale.

This experience is perfect for adventure enthusiasts who want to combine spectacular island scenery with the thrill of driving a lightweight, agile car on some of Tenerife’s most famous routes. With safety briefings, vehicle familiarization, and professional guidance, even those new to high-performance driving can enjoy this tour. However, minimum driver age is 25, and drivers must have at least 5 years of experience if they choose to drive themselves. The inclusion of racing shoes and a security deposit ensures a safe yet exciting experience.

Key Points

• Unique driving experience in Tenerife aboard a legendary Caterham 340 SV
• Flexible durations from 1.5 hours to 8.5 hours to suit different preferences
• Routes include Mount Teide, Las Cañadas del Teide, and Anaga Rural Park
• Professional guidance or self-driving options available, with safety briefings and simulator tests
• 50 km to 280 km mileage packages depending on drive length
• Starting point is in front of Loro Parque

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Starting Point and Safety Briefing at C. Bencomo, 54

The tour begins at C. Bencomo, 54, with an initial safety briefing lasting about 15 minutes. This briefing covers essential safety measures and offers a quick introduction to the Caterham’s legendary brand history. Afterward, there’s a vehicle familiarization session with a driving instructor, ensuring all participants feel confident before hitting the roads. For those new to high-speed driving, this step provides reassurance and a chance to test the car on a professional simulator.

The tour’s emphasis on safety and instruction makes it accessible even for less experienced drivers, provided they meet the age and license requirements. The test drive options range from a brief 1-hour adventure to a comprehensive 8-hour exploration, with respective 50 km, 140 km, or 280 km mileage allowances.

Scenic Drive to Mount Teide and Las Cañadas del Teide

One of the main highlights of this experience is the scenic drive to Mount Teide, which takes approximately 2 hours. Travelers are treated to spectacular views of Tenerife’s volcanic landscapes, with the world’s third-largest volcano standing majestically in the background. The route includes a pause at Las Cañadas del Teide for about 30 minutes, offering a chance to appreciate the rugged, lunar-like terrain and capture photos of the striking scenery.

This part of the tour underscores the thrill of driving the Caterham along winding mountain roads, feeling the power and agility of the car while enjoying Tenerife’s natural beauty. The combination of adrenaline and breathtaking views makes this drive a standout feature.

Exploring Anaga Rural Park on the Open Road

Following the mountain excursion, the tour heads toward Anaga Rural Park, with a 2-hour scenic drive through its lush, green landscapes. This area is known for its dramatic cliffs, forested slopes, and remote villages, offering a contrasting experience to the volcanic mountains. The route here allows drivers and passengers to enjoy spectacular vistas and feel the sense of freedom and control as they navigate winding rural roads.

A 35-minute scenic drive back through Tenerife’s diverse scenery completes this segment. The variety of landscapes—volcanoes, forests, and coastal views—ensures a dynamic and visually stimulating experience for all participants.

Custom Routes and Roadbook Options

One of the tour’s strengths is the flexibility in route planning. Participants can choose to follow road books, which guide them along pre-set scenic routes, or opt for a customized itinerary tailored to personal preferences. Whether seeking mountain panoramas, coastal drives, or remote countryside, the options are open, making each drive feel personal and exclusive.

The professional guides and instructors are on hand to assist and ensure routes are safe and enjoyable. This level of customization caters to both casual drivers and seasoned enthusiasts, giving everyone a chance to craft their perfect island adventure.

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Vehicle Features and Driving Sensation

The Caterham 340 SV models used in this tour are brand new, emphasizing performance and safety. With an impressive power-to-weight ratio, the cars deliver a thrilling, kart-like handling experience. The sensation is described as like driving on a race track, with light weight, agility, and speed providing pure driving pleasure.

The test drive is not only about the scenery but also about feeling the raw power of the legendary sports car, which has roots in motorsport history. The experience is designed to deliver a unique mix of adrenaline and scenic beauty that’s hard to find elsewhere.

Logistics: Meeting Point and Group Sizes

All participants meet in front of Loro Parque, a well-known landmark in Tenerife, making it easy to locate the starting point. The tour is offered as a private group, ensuring an intimate experience with dedicated guidance. The tour can accommodate wheelchair users, making it inclusive for travelers with mobility needs.

The tour is flexible in duration, with options for short drives or full-day adventures, giving plenty of room for different schedules and interest levels. The cancellation policy allows for full refunds if canceled up to 24 hours in advance.

Additional Inclusions and Requirements

Participants receive a welcome and safety briefing, a brief history of the Caterham brand, and the chance to familiarize themselves with the vehicle. If choosing to drive, a security deposit of €3,000 is required via credit card, and racing shoes are provided.

Drivers must be at least 25 years old with a minimum of 5 years of driving experience. The tour is not suitable for people over 6 ft 6 in (200 cm), visually impaired individuals, or those unable to drive a manual transmission.

Tour Duration and Options

The duration varies from 1.5 hours to 8.5 hours, allowing options for quick scenic spins or full-day explorations. The longer drives include more extensive routes and higher mileage—up to 280 km—perfect for those wanting to maximize their island experience.

This flexibility enables travelers to fit the tour into different schedules while still enjoying the thrill of high-performance driving amid Tenerife’s diverse landscapes.

Comparing with Similar Experiences

While many activities in Tenerife focus on sightseeing or cultural attractions, this tour stands out for its emphasis on driving and adrenaline. It complements other outdoor activities like kayaking, hiking, or whale-watching, but offers a rare chance to drive a legendary sports car in a scenic setting. The price of $117 per group provides a good value for such an exclusive experience, given the professional guidance and high-performance vehicle involved.

Final Thoughts on the Tenerife Caterham Experience

This tour offers something truly different for those seeking adventure and speed on Tenerife. The combination of scenic drives, powerful car handling, and customizable routes makes it an appealing choice for car enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. The safety measures and professional instruction add peace of mind, even for less experienced drivers.

However, the experience is most suited for those comfortable with manual transmissions and aged 25 and above. The longer durations provide ample opportunity to enjoy Tenerife’s varied landscapes while feeling the adrenaline of driving a legendary sportscar. For anyone looking to combine scenic beauty with high-speed fun, this tour offers a memorable way to explore the island.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive the Caterham myself?
Yes, you can drive the car yourself if you are at least 25 years old and have a minimum of 5 years of driving experience. A security deposit is required, and racing shoes are provided.

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes a welcome and safety briefing, a short history of the Caterham brand, vehicle familiarization, and the test drive itself. Duration and mileage vary depending on the chosen package.

Where does the tour start?
All participants meet in front of Loro Parque in Tenerife, a well-known and easily accessible location.

What scenic areas are included?
The tour features routes through Mount Teide, Las Cañadas del Teide, and Anaga Rural Park, offering a variety of volcanic, mountain, and lush landscape views.

Is the tour suitable for mobility-impaired individuals?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible. However, it is not suitable for visually impaired persons or those unable to drive manual transmission.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, the tour offers full refunds if canceled up to 24 hours in advance.

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