What to Wear for Open-Air Volcano Riding

Footwear for Off-Road Buggy Terrain

Open buggies expose your feet to volcanic dust, flying gravel, and wind chill as you climb to Peñas del Chache at over 600 meters elevation. Closed-toe shoes are essential, not optional. Wear sturdy trainers or hiking boots with ankle support to protect against rough terrain and loose volcanic rock. Avoid sandals, flip-flops, or canvas shoes that offer no protection from sharp lava fragments or the constant abrasion of airborne dust. Your feet will experience both the intense sun on exposed skin and cold wind at higher altitude, so breathable but protective footwear strikes the right balance.

Grip matters more than cushioning on this terrain. Lanzarote's volcanic landscape includes loose gravel, hardened lava flows, and uneven ground where you may briefly step out of the buggy. Hiking boots with deep tread patterns grip better than road running shoes. If your boots are new, break them in before the tour to avoid blisters during the 3-hour experience. Thick socks help with both comfort and protection, absorbing impact from rough ground and adding a layer against dust creeping into your shoes.

Protection Against Volcanic Dust and Wind

Goggles and a windbreaker are provided as part of your tour, addressing the two biggest physical challenges of open-buggy driving in a volcanic zone. The goggles protect your eyes from dust particles and wind-driven grit that become constant companions once you accelerate across lava fields. Even with provided goggles, many visitors bring an additional neck gaiter, buff, or lightweight scarf to cover their mouth and nose. Volcanic dust is fine and persistent, settling on your skin and working into your hair, so a face covering you can pull up quickly provides extra comfort beyond what the goggles alone deliver.

The windbreaker provided keeps your core warm as wind chill intensifies at higher elevation, but it is not waterproof. On rare rainy days, a light rain jacket over the windbreaker offers better protection. The combination of wind and dust means loose fabrics flap and chafe, so avoid flowing sleeves or untucked shirts. Layer your clothing so you can adjust as you climb higher and the temperature drops. At sea level in Costa Teguise it may feel warm, but at Peñas del Chache the wind and altitude create genuine cold that your initial clothing choice may not anticipate.

Goggles and windbreaker: your shield against volcanic dust

Eyeglasses and Contact Lens Considerations

If you wear glasses, the provided goggles fit over them, though comfort depends on the size and shape of your frames. Smaller, flatter frames work better under goggles than larger or heavily curved ones. Many glasses wearers find that goggles fogging up becomes an issue, especially during slower sections of the tour or when stationary. Anti-fog treatments applied before departure help, but they are not permanent. Contact lenses are a practical alternative if you wear them regularly, as they eliminate the glasses-under-goggles problem entirely.

Dust is your real concern with either option. Volcanic particles will coat your lenses or glasses throughout the tour. Bring a microfiber cloth in a sealed plastic bag so you can carefully clean your vision aids during brief stops. Never rub your eyes directly if dust gets in, as volcanic grit can scratch your cornea. If you wear contacts, keep rewetting drops in your pocket and use them frequently, as the dry, dusty environment dehydrates contact lenses rapidly. Sunglasses alone are not enough, as they do not seal against dust the way goggles do.

Layering for Wind and Cold at Island's Highest Point

Peñas del Chache reaches 670 meters, and the temperature drops noticeably compared to the coastal starting point in Costa Teguise. Wind speed increases significantly at higher altitude, amplifying the chill factor well beyond what the thermometer shows. Start your tour in a light layer you can remove if you overheat during the initial ride, keeping a second layer accessible. The provided windbreaker forms your outer shell, but what you wear underneath determines whether you stay comfortable during stops at the summit.

Merino wool or synthetic thermal layers work better than cotton, which retains moisture and cold. A long-sleeved shirt under a thin fleece jacket, topped with the windbreaker, creates an effective three-layer system without bulk that restricts movement in the buggy. Avoid jackets with long loose cuffs that flap in the wind and distract you. Your legs need protection too: lightweight trousers or long leggings shield your skin from both sun and wind chill. Denim works but dries slowly if it gets damp from sweat or occasional sea spray during coastal sections of the route.

Sun Exposure and Sunscreen Under Dust Conditions

Volcanic dust actually reflects and intensifies solar radiation, making sunburn a genuine risk even on partly cloudy days. Apply high-SPF sunscreen (SPF 50 or higher) 15 minutes before pickup, allowing it to set. Reapply after the tour ends, as sweat and dust remove it throughout the 3 hours. Mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide sits on top of your skin and offers slightly better visibility through the dust, whereas chemical sunscreen absorbs and can feel greasy under goggles. Hybrid formulas offer a compromise.

Do not rely on sunscreen alone as a shield. The dust layer itself provides some UV reflection, but it also traps heat and sweat against your skin. Lightweight long sleeves and long trousers are your primary sun defense, with sunscreen as the backup. Your face, neck, ears, and the tops of your hands remain exposed, so those areas demand careful sunscreen application and reapplication. Lip balm with SPF prevents painful sunburn on your lips, often forgotten in the rush of a buggy tour. A wide-brimmed hat is impractical in a moving vehicle, but a cap with a long bill shields your face if secured tightly so wind does not steal it.

Securing Hair and Valuables During the Ride

Long hair becomes a liability in a fast-moving open buggy surrounded by dust and wind. Tie or braid it tightly and tuck it under your windbreaker collar or secure it with a hair clip at the back of your head where it cannot stream into your face. Loose hair collects volcanic dust and tangles painfully by the end of the tour. If you have very long hair, consider an additional hairnet or swim cap underneath your secured style to contain stray strands. Short hair is less problematic but still gets coated with fine dust that feels gritty until you wash it thoroughly.

Your phone, keys, and valuables need secure pockets or an enclosed bag. Loose items blow away on the open road, and reaching into your pockets while moving is risky. Wear a small crossbody bag or a backpack with a secure chest strap so it does not shift during bumpy terrain. Zip all pockets and keep valuables inside the bag, not in cup holders or on seats where they can slide or fall. Your guide will advise on where to store items during the most intense off-road sections, and following that guidance keeps your belongings safe.

Seasonal Weather Differences: Summer Versus Winter Mornings

Summer tours departing in the morning start in warm conditions but become surprisingly cool at Peñas del Chache due to altitude and wind. Even in July and August, temperatures at the summit are 8 to 10 degrees Celsius cooler than at sea level, and wind chill pushes the felt temperature down further. A single light layer plus the provided windbreaker usually suffices in summer, but pack an extra layer in your bag just in case the weather shifts. Sunscreen becomes critical in summer, as intense UV radiation combined with dust creates ideal conditions for severe sunburn. Hydration is equally vital, though drinks are your responsibility to bring.

Winter morning tours (November through February) demand heavier preparation. You may depart Costa Teguise in pleasant 15-16 degree Celsius conditions, only to encounter genuine cold at higher elevation combined with winter wind gusts. Two insulating layers plus the windbreaker are standard winter practice. Your hands and feet cool rapidly in an open buggy, so thermal gloves and thick socks make a real difference. Winter sun is weaker, reducing sunburn risk, but UV exposure still occurs at altitude, so sunscreen remains important. Mornings in winter Lanzarote are often clearer with better visibility, though wind patterns can intensify dust storms unpredictably.

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