Funchal: Monte and Old Town Tour by Tuk-Tuk

Funchal: Monte and Old Town Tour by Tuk-Tuk
Location: Madeira, Portugal
Price: $42 per person
Duration: 65 minutes
Rating: 4.7/5 (127 reviews)

If you’re visiting Madeira and looking for a way to see its best sights without feeling like just another passenger on a bus, this tuk-tuk tour offers a charming and personal twist. For around $42, you get a compact but comprehensive excursion starting in Funchal’s vibrant old town, passing the Farmers Market, and climbing up to the village of Monte. The highlight? A short, exhilarating basket car ride that’s over 100 years old—something you’ll remember long after you’re back home.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the personal touch of a guided tuk-tuk ride—small enough to access narrow streets and hidden corners, yet packed with local insights. Second, the thrilling descent on the traditional basket car, an iconic Madeira tradition that combines history with pure fun.

One thing to keep in mind: the actual toboggan ride isn’t included in the base price, costing about €17.50 per person, so plan for that extra if you want the complete experience. Also, it’s worth noting that the tour isn’t suitable for people with limited mobility or pregnant women, but for everyone else seeking a lively, authentic way to explore Madeira’s hills and sights—this could be just right.

This tour is ideal for those who love a mix of history, scenic views, and a bit of adventure. It’s especially suited for travelers who appreciate guides with local knowledge and enjoy offbeat experiences.

Key Points

• Authentic Madeira Experience: Ride in a tuk-tuk through Funchal’s streets, combining sightseeing with local flavor.
• Unique Descent: Experience a thrilling 2-kilometer basket car ride that’s over a century old, offering both history and excitement.
• Scenic Views: Climb to Monte at 585 meters for sweeping vistas over Madeira.
• Guided Personal Touch: Guides like Ricardo and Luís provide friendly, informed commentary, making the trip memorable.
• Flexible and Convenient: Hotel pickup and drop-off make it easy to fit into your schedule.
• Highly Rated: With an average of 4.7 stars from 127 reviews, most travelers find this tour worth their time.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Tour Experience

Starting in Funchal: The Old Town and Farmers Market

The journey begins with a pickup from your accommodation, which means you skip the hassle of navigating busy streets. We loved the way the tuk-tuk whizzed through Funchal’s narrow, lively streets—something a larger bus simply can’t do. Passing by the Farmers Market and the charming Old Town, the guide shares tidbits about Madeira’s culture and daily life, making the ride both fun and educational.

Multiple reviews praise the guides for their friendliness and local knowledge. One reviewer mentions that their guide, Ricky, “had great knowledge of the area and told great stories,” making the trip more engaging. The guides are fluent in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, which helps cater to a diverse group of travelers.

Climbing to Monte: A Scenic Ascent

After the initial city tour, the tuk-tuk takes you on a 20-minute climb up to Monte, which sits at 585 meters above sea level. This part of the ride showcases Madeira’s lush landscapes and terraced hillsides. As you ascend, you’ll appreciate the views over Funchal and the surrounding coastline—a perfect opportunity for photos.

Monte itself is a picturesque village with its own charm, featuring the Church of Nossa Senhora do Monte, a highlight for visitors interested in local architecture and religious heritage. Some reviews mention the guide’s detailed explanations about the site, adding context to the visual splendor.

The Basket Car Descent: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Thrill

Once in Monte, you can purchase your basket car tickets—a tradition that dates back over a century. The descent spans about 2 kilometers, and although it’s a short ride, it’s packed with adrenaline. The basket cars are made of wicker, operated by two guides in each cart, who gently steer you down the steep streets.

Many travelers describe this as “nothing else like it,” with multiple reviews calling it “a must-do.” One reviewer, Kathy, said, “The toboggan ride is a must, nothing else like it!” The ride is both a fun throwback to old Madeira and an authentic experience that connects you to local traditions.

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Returning and Reflection

After the descent, your guide is waiting to bring you back to Funchal, completing the loop. This part of the tour is relaxed, giving you time to reflect on the sights and perhaps chat with fellow travelers.

Additional Considerations

While the experience is generally excellent, some reviews note that the toboggan ride can have long queues, especially in peak seasons. The tour’s cost does not include tickets for the basket cars, so budget for the €17.50 fee. Weather can also impact the ride—if conditions are poor, it might be canceled, as one reviewer experienced, but their guide still provided a wonderful alternative sightseeing tour.

Authenticity and Value for Money

At $42 each, this tour offers good value considering the personalized nature of tuk-tuk rides and the opportunity to experience Madeira’s famed basket car descent. The small group size means you’ll get more personalized attention and the chance to ask questions, making it a more intimate experience than larger bus tours.

The guides are consistently praised for their friendliness and depth of local knowledge. For many travelers, that personal touch makes all the difference—getting insider stories and practical tips about Madeira.

You’ll also appreciate the flexibility—pickup is included, and the entire tour lasts around 65 minutes, fitting well into most sightseeing schedules. Just remember, if you want the full basket ride experience, it’s an extra expense, but one that many reviewers agree is worth it.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers who enjoy authentic local traditions, scenic rides, and small-group tours. It’s perfect for those who want to see Funchal’s highlights without the bulk of a large bus, and for anyone interested in a fun, physical activity like riding in a wicker basket.

People with mobility issues or pregnant women should note that the tour isn’t recommended for them, but active and curious travelers will find it offers a delightful mix of sightseeing, culture, and adventure.

Practical Tips for Your Tour

• Wear comfortable shoes—you’ll walk a bit, especially at Monte.
• Bring a camera or smartphone for the stunning views and fun rides.
• If you wish to take the basket car ride, purchase your tickets early to avoid long queues.
• Consider combining this tour with other Madeira excursions for a fuller experience.
• Check the weather forecast—the basket ride depends on good weather conditions.
• Remember, guides like Ricky or Luís are there to enhance your experience, so ask questions and soak up their local insights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off at your Funchal accommodation are included, making it easy to start and end the tour without extra hassle.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 65 minutes, which is a perfect short activity to fit between other sightseeing plans.

What’s the cost of the basket car ride?
Tickets for the basket car descent cost about €17.50 per person and are purchased at Monte before starting the ride.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

Is this suitable for children?
While the tour is generally family-friendly, the basket ride may be too thrilling for very young children or those with mobility issues.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak English, Portuguese, and Spanish, ensuring clear communication for most travelers.

To sum it up, this tour offers a lively, authentic, and visually stunning way to explore Funchal and Monte—perfect for those craving a personal touch, a dash of adventure, and a glimpse into Madeira’s unique traditions. It balances sightseeing with fun, all wrapped in the charm of a small-group, guided tuk-tuk ride. If you love stories, scenic views, and memorable rides, this experience should be on your Madeira list.

You can check availability for your dates here: