Funchal: Tuk Tuk Ride to Monte Funchal Toboggans

Imagine cruising through the colorful streets of Funchal in a tiny, open-air tuk tuk, with a knowledgeable guide sharing stories about the island’s history and culture. That’s exactly what this private tour offers—an engaging, fun, and uniquely Madeiran way to explore some of the most iconic spots in Monte, topped off with the exhilarating toboggan ride.

We love the way this experience combines authentic local transportation, stunning views, and personalized attention. It’s perfect for those wanting a leisurely, yet immersive sightseeing day.

One thing to keep in mind is that weather conditions can impact the toboggan ride, so it’s not always guaranteed. Still, the overall experience delivers excellent value, especially for travelers who appreciate guided insights and flexible, private tours.

This adventure suits those who love a bit of fun, scenic views, and local culture—ideal for first-timers, small groups, or couples looking for a memorable Madeira highlight.

Good To Know

• Unique Transport: Tuk tuk rides offer a fun, informal way to see Madeira’s highlights.
• Customizable Experience: Private tours with guides tailor the day to your interests.
• Stunning Views: Expect panoramic city vistas and scenic stops like Monte’s viewpoints.
• Cultural Spots: Visit Monte’s famous church and explore traditional streets.
• Exhilarating Ride: The toboggan descent is a must-do, with insights from guides about its history.
• Value for Money: At $42 per person, the tour combines transport, guiding, and memorable sights.

You can check if your dates are available here:

A Closer Look at the Funchal Tuk Tuk to Monte Experience

This tour offers much more than just transportation — it’s about absorbing the essence of Madeira through authentic, lively sightseeing. Starting right at your hotel or another chosen spot in Funchal, a compact tuk tuk will whisk you away with an experienced guide behind the wheel, ready to tell stories and answer questions as you go.

What to Expect at Each Stop

Pick-up and Introduction:
The tour begins with a friendly introduction from your guide, who explains what’s ahead. Expect a relaxed, conversational tone, setting the scene for a fun 1.5-hour adventure. Reviews mention guides like Virgilio, Carla, and Jesus, who all bring local knowledge and enthusiasm. One guest fondly recalled Virgilio’s stories, saying, “He drove us all over the area and his knowledge of the history and local culture was so helpful as he was born and raised there.”

Scenic Drive to Monte:
The tuk tuk winds through the streets of Funchal, heading toward Monte. Travelers rave about the views into the city and the lively street scenes you pass. With the small size of the tuk tuk, you get an intimate feel for the city that larger buses can’t match. Guides often stop at key viewpoints for photos, such as the city view lookout, giving you a perfect chance to snap memorable shots.

Visit to Monte Church:
A highlight for many is a stop at the Monte Church Sanctuary. It’s a beautifully preserved site with a rich religious and cultural presence, and guides like Carla love sharing little anecdotes about its history. Visitors appreciate the time to explore and light candles, adding a personal touch to the visit.

Monte Toboggan Ride:
The iconic toboggan descent is the star of the day. The ride down from Monte to Funchal is an experience many describe as hilarious and exhilarating. According to reviews, the toboggan ride is “a once-in-a-lifetime experience” and “incredible.” Be aware that weather can influence whether the toboggans operate, so it’s wise to check the status if rain or strong winds are forecasted.

Return Journey:
After the descent, your tuk tuk waits at the bottom, ready to escort you back into Funchal. Some reviews mention guides calling ahead to ensure the toboggans are open, showing how dedicated they are to making the experience smooth and enjoyable despite weather uncertainties.

The Real Value of This Tour

At $42 per person, this experience offers excellent value considering the personalized guide service, private transportation, and access to some of Madeira’s most picturesque sights. Unlike larger group excursions, the private setup allows for flexibility — guides can adapt the route based on your interests or weather conditions, and you won’t be stuck in a crowded bus.

Guides like Virgilio and Carla have garnered praise for their friendliness, local insights, and patience. They often go beyond the call of duty, calling to check on weather conditions or sharing tips on where to eat local food or buy souvenirs. One guest shared that Carla “showed us all her favorite places to eat and where to get traditional Madeiran souvenirs,” which adds a layer of local authenticity often missing from more generic tours.

Plus, the tour includes pick-up and drop-off at your hotel or specified location, saving you time and hassle. It’s especially valuable if you’re unfamiliar with the city or arriving via cruise ship, where logistics can be tricky.

The Itinerary in Detail

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Starting Point and Introduction

The tour kicks off with a personal hotel or preferred pickup, where your guide briefs you on the plan. This quick overview helps set expectations and ensures everyone is on the same page.

Scenic Drive and Viewpoints

As you glide through Funchal’s streets, the guide points out local landmarks, hidden corners, and panoramic viewpoints. The short stops at key vistas give ample photo opportunities and a chance to soak in the scenery.

Monte’s Highlights

Monte is a leafy, charming hilltop village famous for its church and the historic toboggan rides. Visiting the Monte Church Sanctuary provides a sense of the spiritual and cultural flavor of the area. Reviewers love the chance to explore on foot and even light candles in the church, adding a personal, contemplative element to the trip.

Toboggan Experience

The highlight is the toboggan ride — a traditional Madeira activity dating back over a century. You’ll sit comfortably in the wicker sleds, pushed by local “carreiros,” and zoom down the winding streets. The thrill is balanced by the opportunity to chat with your guide, who shares stories about the tradition’s origins.

Return and Optional Extras

Once at the bottom, your tuk tuk is waiting to take you back into the city. Some guides, like Carla, make an effort to show you their favorite local spots or give recommendations for the rest of your stay.

Practical Details and Tips

Duration and Flexibility:
At 1.5 hours, the tour is a manageable chunk of your day, offering a quick yet immersive sightseeing experience. Check availability to find the preferred starting times, which tend to be flexible.

Weather Considerations:
The toboggan ride is weather-dependent. Guests have noted guides calling ahead to confirm the ride can operate, but be prepared for possible cancellations if the weather turns bad. Pack a light raincoat or umbrella just in case.

Group Size and Accessibility:
This is a private group experience, making it more intimate and flexible. The tuk tuk is wheelchair accessible, which is a considerate detail for travelers with mobility needs.

Cost and Extras:
While the tour price includes pickup, drop-off, and a guide, note that the toboggan ticket is separate. Some reviews mention guides calling to ensure the ride’s availability, which adds to the overall value.

Suitability:
Not suitable for children under 3 years old, but older children and adults will find it a fun activity. The maximum weight limit of 210 kg is a practical consideration for safety.

The Authentic Touch: Why This Tour Stands Out

What makes this experience special is the combination of local transportation, expert guides, and iconic sights. Unlike large buses, the tuk tuk’s small size gives a feeling of exploring with a local friend, making stops and chatting along the way. Guests have loved guides like Virgilio and Carla for their warmth, local knowledge, and willingness to go above and beyond — from calling ahead about the toboggan to sharing personal stories about Madeira’s culture.

The views and stops are thoughtfully chosen — the viewpoint over Funchal offers breathtaking vistas, and the Monte Church is a must-see for its architecture and ambiance. The ride down the winding streets in the wicker sleds delivers a dose of adventure, with many reviewers describing it as “hilarious” and “something I’d recommend everyone do at least once.”

The Sum Up

This tuk tuk tour in Funchal offers a fun, intimate, and rewarding way to explore Madeira’s highlights. It’s especially appealing for those who enjoy guided experiences with local flavor, scenic viewpoints, and a dash of adrenaline from the toboggan ride. It delivers excellent value for the price, considering the personalized service, private transport, and memorable sights.

Perfect for first-time visitors or those wanting a relaxed yet engaging activity, this tour balances sightseeing with storytelling and a little bit of adventure. If you’re after a taste of Madeira’s authentic charm in a small-group setting, this experience ticks all the boxes.

FAQ

Is the tour private?
Yes, it is a private group experience, tailored to your interests and needs.

What is included in the price?
The tour price covers pick-up and drop-off at your hotel, a guide, and the tuk tuk ride. The toboggan ticket is not included and must be purchased separately.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts about 1.5 hours, making it a great half-day activity.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tuk tuk is wheelchair accessible.

What if the weather is bad?
Weather can affect the toboggan ride; guides often call ahead to confirm operation. Be prepared for possible cancellations.

Can I join this tour if I’m arriving via cruise?
Absolutely, but you will need to pay a $5 port charge per tuk tuk, payable directly to the local supplier.

Are children allowed?
The tour isn’t suitable for children under 3 years old.

How do I book?
You can reserve your spot online, with the option to reserve now and pay later for flexibility.

What should I wear or bring?
Dress comfortably, and consider bringing a raincoat or umbrella if rain is forecasted. Sunglasses and sunscreen are advisable for sunny days.

Is this tour worth the price?
Most guests agree it is, especially considering the personalized guidance, scenic stops, and fun toboggan ride — a memorable way to experience Madeira.

You can check if your dates are available here: