The basket cart down Monte is pure fun. On this 110-minute tour, I love the Monte Toboggan ride in a vintage basket cart and I love the guided Funchal Old Town loop through market streets and hilltop viewpoints; the catch is that the toboggan ticket is extra, and it is not a great fit for limited mobility.

You start in Funchal with tuk-tuk pickup from your accommodation, then you climb up to Monte (585 meters above sea level) for the church visit and the ride. After the descent, your driver/guide brings you back into town, wrapping up a half-day that mixes adrenaline with real Madeira neighborhood scenery.

Quick take: what makes this Monte Toboggan tour work

• A classic 100+ year basket-cart ride: a roughly 2-kilometer descent with a guide along the way.
• Monte at 585 meters: a scenic tuk-tuk climb that makes the view part of the fun.
• Church stop in Monte: time to see the Church of Nossa Senhora do Monte area and snap photos.
• Old Town plus market streets: you pass through the farmers market area and Zona Velha for local atmosphere.
• Pickup included in Funchal: tuk-tuk hotel-to-tour-to-hotel makes the logistics easy.

Tuk-tuk pickup in Funchal: start in motion

The tour begins right where you are staying in Funchal. You meet your driver/guide, then you’re off by tuk-tuk, threading through streets that are tight enough that a big bus would struggle.

This first stretch matters more than you might think. It gets you oriented fast, and you start seeing how Madeira’s city sits on slopes, with older lanes leading toward higher viewpoints.

Old Town and the farmers market passes: short stops that add up

You’ll get a guided look around Funchal’s older streets early on, with a pass through the old town area and then more sightseeing before you head up. Expect photo opportunities and guide commentary as you move.

One thing I appreciate is the mix of “see it” and “know it.” In the older parts of town, guides often point out local details you’d likely miss on your own, like the distinctive painted doors you may spot around the old center.

Then you pass by the farmers market zone on your way back down the flow of the day. It’s not a long sit-down market visit, but it’s a nice hit of everyday life in Funchal—produce, quick errands, and that local rhythm.

Up to Monte (585 meters): the climb sets the scene

After the early town stops, you take a 20-minute climb by tuk-tuk to Monte. Monte sits high—585 meters above sea level—so the ride is both transport and a moving viewpoint.

This is where the tour earns its money-for-time value. You get the uphill transfer handled for you, plus you’re not stuck finding parking, dealing with traffic, or guessing which overlooks are actually worth stopping at.

Your guide also uses the climb to set expectations for what’s next: the church area, the basket-cart ticket moment, and the descent.

Church of Nossa Senhora do Monte and Caminho do Monte 82 photo stops

Once you reach Monte, you’re guided through the key sights on foot. The headline here is the Church of Nossa Senhora do Monte, a well-known anchor for this hilltop area.

You’ll also hit Caminho do Monte 82 for another photo stop and walk. Even if you only stay a short time, these stops work because they give you an immediate sense of the height you’ve gained and the direction the views open toward.

This part is calmer than the toboggan. Use it to slow down, take photos, and let the altitude and breezes kick in before you commit to the descent.

Monte Toboggan in the basket cart: your 2-kilometer descent

The main event is the basket cart toboggan. At the top, you buy your descent tickets before starting, then you ride in a “basket cart” that has 100+ years of tradition behind it.

The ride itself is described as a thrilling 2-kilometer descent. It’s fast and fun, but it is not portrayed as something you need extreme courage for—more like a controlled, memorable speed run.

Your driver/guide is at the end of the trip waiting for you when you reach the bottom, then you return back to the city. That “someone is waiting for you” detail matters because it turns a potentially stressful activity (lines, timing, finding your way) into something you can just enjoy.

A practical note: ticketing can affect how smooth the experience feels. On some days, lines and selling patterns can change, and your guide may coordinate adjustments to keep you from standing in a long queue. If you see a situation changing, don’t panic—ask what your options are on the spot and follow the plan your guide proposes.

What if the toboggan ride is closed due to weather

Madeira weather can change quickly, and the basket ride can be affected. In at least one real-world situation, the basket-cart ride was closed due to bad weather and the guide still kept the day going with extra sightseeing, adapting the route so the time wasn’t wasted.

So if you are aiming to protect your schedule, build in the mindset that the day is a mix: Monte’s sights plus the toboggan ride when conditions allow. A good guide will do what they can to keep the tour valuable even if the main thrill doesn’t run.

Price and value: what $47 covers (and what costs extra)

At about $47 per person for 110 minutes, you are paying for the guided tuk-tuk tour experience with protection included. What you get in the price is hotel pickup and drop-off by tuk-tuk, a guided tour, and insurance.

What you should plan to pay separately is the toboggan entry ticket: 17,5€ per person. Food and drinks are also not included, so you’ll want water at minimum and a plan for a snack or meal on your own.

When I look at value here, it comes down to this: you’re buying convenience plus access. The tuk-tuk climb removes the biggest logistical headache (getting up and back efficiently), and the guide handles the flow of stops so you don’t burn time figuring out what’s worth seeing on your own.

Add the traditional basket ride ticket on top, and you still end up with a compact half-day that gives you both a signature Madeira activity and a guided tour of Funchal’s older areas.

Who this tour suits best in Madeira

This one is ideal if you:

• want a quick way to cover Funchal Old Town, Monte, and the farmers market area in a short window
• like hands-on activities, not just walking and viewpoints
• enjoy getting local context from a guide while you move around

It is not a match if you have mobility limitations. It also specifically notes it’s not suitable for pregnant women and not recommended for people with limited mobility.

If you’re traveling with a mix of ages, it can still work, as long as everyone can handle the walking components around Monte and the time outdoors in cool or breezy weather.

Practical tips to make your basket cart day smoother

Here’s how to set yourself up for the best experience without overthinking it.

1) Dress for the hilltop breeze. Waiting lines near Monte can get chilly, and you’ll also feel the altitude and wind more than you do down in the city.

2) Bring cash or be ready for the ticket moment. Basket ride tickets are not included in the tour price, and you’ll need them at the point of purchase before descending.

3) Keep luggage minimal. Oversize luggage is not allowed, so pack light.

4) Wear shoes with decent grip. You’ll do short walks at Monte and around photo stops, and you’ll be moving between levels.

5) Choose a day with flexibility. If the ride changes due to weather or queue conditions, you’ll move faster when you stay calm and listen to the guide’s plan.

On the human side, guides can make or break this kind of tour. Names that show up often include Ricky, Tom, Alexis, Ricardo, Miguel, Luís, David, and Vitor, and the consistent theme is friendly communication and strong local context. Some guides also help with photo moments and little coordination details, like making sure you know where to be and when.

Should you book this Funchal Monte Toboggan and Old Town tuk-tuk tour?

I’d book it if you want a classic Madeira experience without spending hours planning logistics. The tuk-tuk pickup, the Monte climb to 585 meters, and the chance to ride a 100+ year basket cart make it a strong combo for a short stay.

Skip it if you cannot handle walking segments or if mobility limits are a concern, because the day is built around steps and time on uneven ground.

If your schedule is tight and you want a real snapshot of Funchal plus Monte’s headline activity, this is a solid choice.

FAQ

How long is the Funchal Monte Toboggan and Old Town tour?

The tour duration is 110 minutes.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included by tuk-tuk from your accommodation in Funchal.

Is this a private group tour?

Yes, it’s listed as a private group.

Does the tour visit the Church of Nossa Senhora do Monte?

Yes. The experience includes a visit to the Church of Nossa Senhora do Monte.

Are toboggan entry tickets included in the price?

No. Toboggan entry tickets are not included. The ticket cost is 17,5€ per person.

What else is not included besides the toboggan tickets?

Food and drinks are not included.

What languages are offered for the live guided tour?

The live tour guide can speak English, Portuguese, and Spanish.

What sites do you pass by during the tour?

You pass by the farmers market area and Zona Velha as part of the guided sightseeing.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility impairments or pregnancy?

It is not recommended for people with limited mobility, not suitable for pregnant women, and not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

What’s the cancellation and payment policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later.