Camel trails in El Tanque, short and fun. This quick stop on Tenerife’s northwest side mixes a real working-farm setting with a simple animal encounter, optional costumes, and a ride time that fits busy days. The experience runs from the Camello center in El Tanque, and you’ll spend your time on paths bordered by native plants and protected areas.

I like how the animals look well cared for and calm, not “tourist props.” I also like the human touch from the team—people specifically mentioned welcomes from Daniella and Marcelo. The overall vibe feels easygoing, which matters when you’re traveling with kids or just want a low-stress activity.

One thing to plan around: the ride is short, and a few people felt it wasn’t as scenic or satisfying as they expected. If you’re hoping for a long countryside trek, or you’re sensitive to rigid seating, you may want to set expectations before you go.

Key things to know before you ride

• Timing is everything: the camel ride is about 20 minutes (often reported around 20–25), so it’s a quick hit rather than a full excursion.
• Healthy, calm animals: multiple notes praise animal care and how the camels are handled.
• Optional costume moment: you may be offered tunics or a headpiece experience during the ride.
• Meet at Camello center: it’s on TF-82 in El Tanque; bad phone signal can make map-finding tricky.
• Group size stays small: the activity caps at 20 travelers.
• Photo add-on pressure is real: there’s typically a souvenir photo opportunity after the ride.

What you actually get in 20 minutes at El Tanque

This is a straightforward camel ride experience centered on El Tanque. The ride portion is listed at about 20 minutes, and in practice many people describe being on the camel for roughly 20–25 minutes. That makes it a good fit if you want something fun without eating up half a day.

You’ll ride in a way that’s designed for most people to manage easily. The tour isn’t described as a hike, and it’s more about an animal encounter than big walking shoes and switchbacks. If you’re traveling with children, this “short and sweet” format is often the difference between a win and a meltdown.

There’s also an optional costume element. People mention dressing up with outfits like tunics and turbans, which can add a playful, silly angle to a pretty simple activity. If you like lighthearted activities that still feel like a real moment, this part is worth leaning into.

My practical take: expect a ride that’s fast-paced in the best way. You’ll be able to laugh, take a few photos, and still be free to move on to other Tenerife stops afterward.

Meeting at Camello center without getting stuck

Your meeting point is the Camello center (paseos en camello y restaurante) on Carretera General TF-82, km 10.2, 38435 El Tanque, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. The activity runs Monday 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and the listed operating window runs from 05/01/2023 to 12/09/2026.

A real-world tip: plan extra time to locate the entrance. Some people reported trouble finding the meeting place and mentioned weak network connection, so relying on a phone map may be hit-or-miss. If you can, download the area map ahead of time and screenshot the pin location before you drive.

Bring your mobile ticket. Confirmation is sent at booking, and check-in is meant to be simple, with a modern ticket style rather than paper-only scanning. The good news is that the location also has on-site facilities, so you’re not stuck hunting for a bathroom or a snack while you wait.

Also note the language setup: the experience is offered in English. That’s helpful if you don’t want to muddle through instructions or safety steps in a mix of languages.

Riding farmland trails and seeing El Tanque’s working side

The ride starts in El Tanque, a mainly agricultural part of the island’s northwest. You’re not just passing by pretty scenery—you’re moving through farmland trails where potatoes, cereals, grapes, and general farming are part of daily life.

On the camel trail, you should expect a mix of native plants and protected natural spaces. The description highlights areas like La Rambla de Castro, which includes features such as palm trees, banana plantations, and historic-looking farm buildings. Names that come up include La Hacienda de los Castro and the old water lift of La Gordejuela.

If you like the quieter side of Tenerife, this angle is the point. Big tourist stops can feel the same everywhere. Here, you’re getting a calmer view of how the island feeds itself and how agriculture blends into protected areas.

You’ll also see native animals as part of the experience. The details mention Canarian goats, Pelibuey sheep, donkeys, and ponies. That matters because it turns the event from purely “sit on a camel” into a small animal encounter at a working spot.

One note from real customer experiences: some people liked that they could spend a bit of time interacting more—such as offering food to animals afterward. That isn’t guaranteed in the core description, but the setting clearly supports additional animal contact, so it’s reasonable to ask on arrival whether it’s available that day.

Staff interaction, costumes, and the souvenir photo moment

The vibe often comes down to the team, and the feedback here is mostly warm. People specifically praised staff for friendliness and attentiveness, and you may hear names like Daniella and Marcelo during the process. That kind of personal handling matters on animal rides because it reduces the “awkward start” feeling.

You may also be offered costume-style accessories during the ride. People mention tunics and turbans, and the goal is a fun, theatrical photo moment without turning it into a serious production. If you’re traveling with kids, this is often the part they remember more than the route itself.

Now, the photo reality. Several notes mention getting pushed to buy the souvenir photo after the ride. It’s not unusual for these activities, but it is something you should treat as optional rather than mandatory. Decide upfront whether you want a keepsake, and don’t get surprised at the counter.

One more practical consideration: seating can be a sore spot for some. A few comments mention the camel saddles being rigid, with an iron-like feel on the back. This doesn’t mean it will be uncomfortable for everyone, but if you’re sensitive to pressure or have back issues, you’ll want to take that seriously before booking.

Optional pickups and tastings: a mini food add-on

The experience notes optional pickups in La Quinta, Turquesa, and Teneguía, and it mentions tastings with wine and tapas. Examples of what you might try include honeyed cheese, sauces, and potatoes.

Important practical point: pickups are not listed as included. So if you want this add-on, you’ll need to check availability at booking. It’s a smart way to turn a short camel ride into a slightly fuller half-day plan, especially if you’re also curious about local flavors.

If you do go with the pickup option, you’ll likely appreciate it because it reduces driving hassle. It also gives you a social, food-focused start before the ride.

If you’re driving yourself, keep this in mind: you may still be able to eat on-site after the ride, but the pickup tastings are the extra “bonus” piece attached to the optional service.

On-site restaurant, shop, and what to do after the ride

The Camello center is paired with a restaurant and shop, and the site has practical features like toilets. That sounds basic, but it’s exactly what you want when you’re doing a 20-minute activity and then moving on.

Some people recommend eating at the on-site place after the ride. The feedback includes mentions of big portions and low prices, plus the feeling that the food is worth the stop. Since lunch itself is not included, this is your decision point: either plan a meal here or keep it light and just enjoy the animal time.

A common pattern is that you ride, you get the souvenir photo chance, and then you decide whether to linger for a drink or a meal. If you’re with kids, having an on-site restaurant can be a sanity saver when timing is tight.

If you want maximum value, I’d treat it like this: buy only what you truly want (photo, food), and consider the camel ride as the main event. With a short ride, the real “value” comes from how well it matches your day and expectations.

Price and value: is $18.07 a bargain or a mismatch?

At about $18.07 per person, this is priced like a short, family-friendly activity that doesn’t require a bus tour budget. The included items are the entrance ticket and the camel ride (about 20 minutes).

So the value depends on what you want out of the day:

• If you want a quick laugh, a calm animal encounter, and a change of pace from beaches, this price often makes sense.
• If you expected a long scenic trek or a much more immersive route, some experiences may feel under-delivered.

A few of the less happy notes focus on route feel and ride length, saying it was shorter than expected or not scenic enough. Others felt the cost didn’t match the time, and some mentioned rigid seating. Those criticisms are worth taking seriously if you’re picky about comfort or if you want a “real hike” vibe.

On the other hand, the strongest praise consistently points to animal care and friendly handling, plus the simple fact that it’s fun. And with a cap of 20 travelers, you’re not stuck in a huge line with strangers.

My “do the math” suggestion: compare this $18.07 to other paid activities you’re considering that also last around 20–30 minutes. If you can handle a short format, it’s a low-risk splurge. If you hate paying for short rides, you’ll likely feel disappointed.

Who should book this and who should skip it

This tour fits best if you:

• Want a short animal experience that’s easy to fit into a busy Tenerife day.
• Are traveling with kids and want something playful, not exhausting.
• Prefer the quieter agricultural side of Tenerife rather than only viewpoint stops.
• Appreciate the idea of optional costumes and a light souvenir photo moment.

You should think twice if you:

• Need a longer scenic experience. Some riders felt the route was too short or too close to non-scenic paths.
• Have back problems. The activity explicitly says it’s not recommended for participants with back issues.
• Weigh more than 120 kg per rider (that’s the maximum weight stated).
• Are extremely concerned about comfort on rigid seating, since a few notes mention stiff saddles.

Also, if you’re easy to stress about meeting points, prepare for possible signal issues. Build in a buffer so you don’t feel rushed.

Should you book the El Tanque camel ride?

If you want a simple, family-friendly activity with healthy animals and friendly staff, I think it’s a reasonable booking. The ride is short, so it works best as a playful pause between bigger plans—rather than your main event.

If your dream Tenerife day is long countryside hiking with big scenery payoffs, you may feel this is too brief or too basic for the money. In that case, consider a longer nature walk or a different excursion.

My final practical advice: book it if you can accept a 20-minute ride as the whole point. Bring patience for photo upsells. And if you’re sensitive to seating pressure, skip it or ask questions first before you climb on.

FAQ

How long is the camel ride?

The camel ride is listed as approximately 20 minutes, and many people experience it in the 20–25 minute range.

Where is the meeting point?

You meet at the Camello center (paseos en camello y restaurante), Carretera General TF-82, km 10.2, 38435 El Tanque, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

What time is the activity available?

The opening hours provided are Monday 10:00 AM–4:00 PM, and the operating window is listed from 05/01/2023 to 12/09/2026.

Is pickup included?

No. Pick up service is not included. Optional pickups are mentioned for La Quinta, Turquesa, and Teneguía with tastings.

What does the price include?

The included items are the entrance ticket and the camel ride (about 20 minutes).

Do I get an optional costume?

Yes, the experience includes an optional costume element.

Is it offered in English?

Yes, the experience is offered in English.

Are there any age or health restrictions?

Children must be accompanied by an adult. The activity is not recommended for participants with back problems.

What is the maximum rider weight?

The maximum weight per rider is 120 kg.

Is good weather required?

Yes. The experience requires good weather. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes, free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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