A buggy tour through the vineyards of Rioja Alavesa with views of the Sierra de Cantabria

Forget about traditional sightseeing tours and get ready to speed through a sea of vineyards.

Accompanied by a local guide, you’ll set off from Laguardia on an action-packed 90-minute buggy tour , with vehicles seating 2 or 4 people. You’ll drive across red earth, travelling along farm tracks and back roads, making key stops at scenic spots such as the Cenicero and Elciego viewpoints, with spectacular views of the Ebro and the Sierra de Cantabria.

What we will do

We’ll meet 15 minutes before the scheduled time at the meeting point in Laguardia, Álava. There, our local guide will be waiting to welcome us and give us some background on the terrain we’ll be exploring. We’ll go over the itinerary in a brief briefing, learn how to operate the buggies intuitively and the guidelines for driving safely along the farm tracks. Once we’ve adjusted our helmets or protective goggles and settled into our seats, we’ll start the engines.

We’ll leave the base behind and head straight into the heart of the Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Alta. On a route combining 60–65 per cent dirt tracks and farm tracks with secondary roads, we’ll feel the vibration of the engine and the red earth beneath our wheels. We’ll ride escorted by endless rows of vines that sweep across the hillsides, breathing in the rural atmosphere and feeling the vehicle’s agility as we navigate every bend in the agricultural route.

Throughout the journey, we’ll make three strategic stops to stretch our legs, have adrink and swap drivers if we fancy taking turns at the wheel. We’ll stop first at the panoramic viewpoint in Laguardia, nestled amongst a veritable sea of vineyards. Further on, at the Cenicero viewpoint, the guide will share anecdotes about the area whilst we gaze upon the course of the River Ebro, framed by the rocky silhouette of the Sierra de Cantabria. Our final stop will take us to Elciego, where the titanium-coloured curves of the Bodega Hotel Marqués de Riscal contrast with the village’s traditional architecture.

With a sense of excitement still in our hearts and the route we’ve travelled as a memento of our adventure, we’ll take the wheel one last time to head back to the centre.

The activity will end at the starting point after a total driving time of 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Who it is aimed at

The driver must be at least 25 years of age and present a valid physical Category B driving licence .

The front-seat passenger must be at least 4 years old (younger children must bring their own approved car seat) and all children must be accompanied by an adult.

The experience is suitable for beginners, as the routes are very accessible and the guide always provides clear instructions.

This activity is not recommended for pregnant women.

People in wheelchairs or with reduced mobility can take part as co-drivers without any problems .

Pets are welcome on board and count as an additional passenger in the vehicle.

Other information

The tour is available all year round in the mornings (09: 30, except Thursdays and Sundays) and in the afternoons (16: 00, every day) , with the option to adjust the times on request.

The tour will be confirmed once a minimum of 2 buggies has been booked, with groups of up to 18 participants per session.

The organiser has a fleet comprising 4 two-seater buggies and 3 four-seater buggies.

If two participants in the same vehicle meet the required criteria, they may take turns at the wheel during stops.

At the meeting point (an industrial estate) , there is ample free parking, and the venue is also accessible by public transport.

Recommended clothing

Closed-toe footwear

Don't forget to bring

• A valid physical driving licence (compulsory for drivers)
• Neck brace (available to purchase at the venue for €5)