Tuk tuk to Monte, then basket speed. This private tuk tuk route in Funchal strings together the steep climb up to Monte, a quick look around Paroquia de Nossa Senhora do Monte, and the classic basket toboggan, all with easy logistics. I especially like the hotel pickup and drop-off feel, which saves you from sorting buses or taxis on a hillside day.

What I like most is the payoff: the Monte toboggan descent is a full 2 km in the baskets, and the guides (Ricardo, Ricky, Tom, Miguel, Alexis, and others) keep the pace friendly with local context and photo stops. One consideration: the toboggan ride ticket isn’t included, and Monte can get crowded, so you’ll want to plan for some waiting time and budget for the extra ride cost.

Key highlights

• Door-to-door tuk tuk style in Funchal: hotel pickup and drop-off from the Funchal area
• A free stop at Paroquia de Nossa Senhora do Monte: about 15 minutes to see the church and surroundings
• 2 km basket toboggan descent from Monte: the main event, run through the Associação dos Carreiros do Monte
• Local drink included: a local tab is part of the experience, and guides often introduce poncha
• A guide who adjusts to your day: you may be asked where you want to finish in the city

Getting Up to Monte Without Stressing the Streets

Madeira’s hills can look cute from a postcard and feel steep up close. This tour fixes the hardest part for you: getting from Funchal up to Monte in a fun, easy tuk tuk instead of walking or playing taxi roulette.

You start at Av. Sá Carneiro 3, São Martinho (near public transportation). If you’re in the Funchal area, pickup is offered, and the tour ends back around the meeting point area. Since it’s private, you also avoid the “everyone shuffle together” vibe you can get on bigger bus tours. Your driver and guide can focus on your group’s timing, which really matters when the Monte toboggan queue is busy.

The biggest value here is not just transportation. It’s that you arrive ready for the main attraction, then you’re guided into old town after, so you’re not stuck with a long gap where you’re wondering what to do next.

Stop 1: Paroquia de Nossa Senhora do Monte (Free, Short, and Convenient)

The first stop is Paroquia de Nossa Senhora do Monte. You get about 15 minutes for the church and the surrounding area, and the admission ticket is free.

This is the kind of stop that works even if you’re not trying to “tour every church on the island.” You get a quick cultural moment on Monte, a place to stretch your legs, and a reset before the speed part of the day. It also helps you orient yourself up on the hill so the toboggan start feels less random.

The main practical benefit: it keeps your schedule from feeling rushed later. Rather than sprinting straight to the baskets, you get a calm breather and a chance to take photos in that Monte area while you’re already there.

Monte Toboggan Baskets: The 2 km Descent That’s Worth Planning For

Now the star of the show. The Asociación dos Carreiros do Monte is where you connect with the classic basket toboggan experience, including the historic carreiros tradition tied to Monte.

You’re looking at a 2 km descent in the baskets, and the ride itself is the reason most people book this. It’s thrilling in a very Madeiran way—more hands-on, more character, less polished-amusement-park. You’ll feel the slope, the turns, and the simple thrill of gravity doing its thing.

Two things to keep in mind for your planning:

1) Tickets for the basket ride are not included in the tour price, so you’ll pay separately.

2) Monte can get busy, especially on cruise days, and that can mean delays at the start. One good trick is to start your day early if you can—shorter queues make the experience feel smoother.

If you want a quick reality check on cost: one pair reported the toboggan ride set them back about €35 for two, but your exact total can vary. What’s consistent is this: budget a little extra and don’t assume you’ll walk right onto the baskets the moment you arrive.

Old Town Funchal After the Ride: Time to Wander Your Way

Once you’re back down, you’re not just dropped off and sent off into the maze. The tour includes time around old town in Funchal, guided so you know what you’re looking at instead of guessing.

This is one of the best parts of the format: the tuk tuk gives you the quick intro and the route planning, then you get enough flexibility to enjoy the city at human speed. Many guides also ask where you want to end—some people choose to go back toward the hotel, and others prefer to be set down nearer the city centre (or coordinated with cruise plans). That flexibility is part of why this feels worth paying for, even though it’s a short outing.

If you’re using it as a first taste of Funchal, you’ll likely come away with a better sense of where landmarks and streets are, so you can return later on foot. If you’re short on time (cruise day, limited mobility, or you just want a fun hit of the island), this pacing is a sweet spot.

The Included Local Tab: Poncha, Explained the Right Way

This tour includes a local tab. In practice, it often means a stop where you can try a local drink, and guides commonly introduce poncha—Madeira’s rum-and-honey-and-citrus mix.

One guide (Tom) explained the ingredients plainly as rum, honey, and lemon, and it’s the kind of detail that makes the drink feel tied to the place instead of just a tourist stop. The included drink stop also breaks up the day nicely. After hills and queues, you get a small, warm moment where you can sit down, chat, and reset.

Practical note: if you’re the type who turns one drink into three, you might feel it by the time the tuk tuk is winding through old town. Keeping it to one is the easiest way to stay comfortable and enjoy the ride home.

Price and Time: Is $47.77 Actually a Good Deal?

At $47.77 per person, this tour sits in the “small splurge, big convenience” category. You’re paying for four main things:

• Transport up and down Monte in a tuk tuk (so you avoid steep walking and reduce taxi wrangling)
• A guided visit that covers both Monte and old town without you needing to plan every turn
• A free church stop at Paroquia de Nossa Senhora do Monte
• A local drink stop through the included local tab

What you’re not paying for is the toboggan ride ticket, which you’ll buy separately. That can make the true all-in cost a little higher, but you’re still getting value because you’re not buying logistics on top of it—you’re buying a smooth experience.

Timing is another part of the value. The tour runs roughly 50 minutes to 2 hours, depending on how your group moves and how busy Monte is when you start the baskets. For most people, that window is ideal: long enough to feel like you did something special, short enough to still enjoy the rest of Funchal on your own.

If you’re cruising and have a tight window, the private format is a bonus. You’re less at the mercy of big group schedules.

When to Book and How to Avoid Monte Queue Chaos

Monte’s toboggan line can expand fast when cruise ships are in town. That shows up in real-world pacing: your start might be delayed if you arrive during peak demand.

So here’s the practical move I’d make: book early and aim to ride before the crowd thickens. One review-style tip you’ll hear often is that queue times improve when you go earlier in the day, and the experience still leaves time for wandering afterward.

Also, check the weather. This tour requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

And bring simple day-trip sense: light layers if it’s cool up on the hill, comfortable shoes for stepping out at stops, and keep your phone secure. The baskets are fun, and you’ll want your hands free for the ride experience.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Want a Different Plan)

This is a great fit if you want:

• A private outing (only your group)
• The Monte toboggan as the main event, without figuring out timing and transport
• A guided introduction to old town so you can return later knowing where you are
• Hotel pickup convenience in Funchal

It may be less ideal if you already have a full day built around walking tours and you don’t mind sorting transport yourself. Also, if you dislike queue uncertainty, you should know Monte can get busy. The early timing strategy helps, but it can’t eliminate everything.

Overall, it’s a good “starter tour” for first-time visitors to Funchal, and it’s also a fun use of a short day if you have limited time on Madeira.

Should You Book This Tuk Tuk Tour to Old Town + Monte?

If you want an easy, character-filled way to connect three things—Monte, the toboggan, and old town—this is a strong choice. The biggest win is the convenience plus the human pace: you’re not just paying for a ride; you’re paying for the day to flow from hill to baskets to city.

I’d especially book it if you:

• Like guided highlights but still want time to explore on your own after
• Want hotel pickup and a private-group vibe
• Are excited about the Monte toboggan and don’t want to waste energy on planning logistics

Book with a little patience for Monte’s schedule and remember the toboggan ticket is not included. If the weather turns, the tour won’t run, but you’ll have options like a different date or a refund.

FAQ

How much does the Private Tuk Tuk Tour to Old Town + Monte cost?

It costs $47.77 per person.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 50 minutes to 2 hours.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.

Do I get hotel pickup and drop-off?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, and pickup is offered for guests in the Funchal area.

Are tickets included for the toboggan ride?

No. Tickets are not included for the toboggan ride.

Is the church stop ticket free?

Yes. The visit to Paroquia de Nossa Senhora do Monte has free admission.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

What is the meeting point?

The start point is Av. Sá Carneiro 3, São Martinho, 9000-017 Funchal, Portugal, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.

What if the weather is bad or I need to cancel?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.