A ride on rails, then a ride on sleds. That’s the fun mix here: a tuk tuk tour of Funchal plus a classic Monte-to-Livramento toboggan option. You’ll start with Funchal’s Old Town streets and stop for the famous church in Monte, then finish with easy city exploring by vehicle and on foot.

I especially like how the tour threads together three different vibes: Old Town alleys with decorated doors, Monte’s viewpoint energy, and that big-ticket toboggan ride.

One thing to plan around: the toboggan isn’t included, and timing matters because you may need to queue when you get there.

Key points to know before you go

• Private tuk tuk for a small group (you’re not stuck with strangers and a loud coach).
• Rua de Santa Maria painted doors and old-stone street details you’ll miss on your own.
• Church of Our Lady of the Mount (Monte), with a structure completed in 1818.
• Carreiros do Monte toboggans are a real local tradition from Monte down toward Livramento.
• Toboggan tickets are extra, and you may want an early start to reduce waiting.

Why Monte’s Toboggan and Funchal Old Town Work So Well Together

Funchal can feel like a place you either rush through or overthink. This tour keeps it simple. You get the “wow” factor of Monte’s downhill toboggans, but you also get your feet on the ground in Funchal’s Old Town—where the charm lives in small things.

The best part is the pairing. Monte is all about altitude, views, and that iconic church stop. Old Town is about street texture: old façades, cobblestones, and doors painted by different artists along Rua de Santa Maria. After the toboggan adrenaline, a gentle walking and scenic-city drive makes the whole morning feel balanced.

Tukway Pickup and the Tuk Tuk Ride: Fast, Easy, and Local

You’ll be picked up in Funchal—either from the city pickup point or from a cruise ship terminal—then you head up toward Monte. The trip is short enough that you don’t feel like you’re spending half your day in transit, but it’s long enough to build excitement.

The vehicle is the point. A tuk tuk can reach spots bigger buses can’t, and it feels more like a local car service than a rigid tour bus. In the real world, that means you can get to viewpoints and back toward the center without the usual parking headaches.

Bring weather-appropriate clothing. Madeira weather can shift quickly, and you may want to dress in layers. A blanket is included, which is a nice touch for the cooler bits and the ride transitions.

Rua de Santa Maria and the Painted Doors of Santa Maria

Your Old Town time has a very specific target: Rua de Santa Maria and the area around it. This is where the streets get visual fast. You’ll see painted doors along Santa Maria—multiple artists, multiple styles, and a glow that makes photos easier because the details are right at eye level.

Here’s what you should pay attention to while walking:

• Door designs and colors. Some are more ornate, some simpler—each has its own personality.
• Cobblestone floor texture. Even when you’re just passing through, it changes how the street feels underfoot.
• Old-house façades. Don’t race ahead. Look up for small architectural clues.

There’s also a break-and-photo moment built into the timing, so you’re not forced to run from one stop to the next. That’s useful because Old Town photos take patience, not just speed.

Possible drawback: this section includes walking on old streets. It’s not described as difficult, but it’s still city walking on cobbles.

Monte’s Church Stop: Our Lady of the Mount (1818) and Viewpoint Energy

Next comes Monte Village and the main church stop: the Church of Our Lady of the Mount. The current structure visible today was completed in 1818, and it’s one of the most requested places to visit in this area—so yes, expect it to be a highlight.

What makes the church stop worth your time isn’t only the building. It’s the context. Monte feels like a different world from central Funchal—cooler air at times, tighter streets, and a “coming down” rhythm in the air because everyone is heading toward the toboggans.

When you’re there, take a slower approach:

• Spend a few minutes just looking around before you rush into pictures.
• Use the guide’s explanations to understand what you’re seeing, not just where to stand for a shot.
• If you want a viewpoint moment, you’ll usually get the chance while moving through Monte.

Carreiros do Monte Toboggan to Livramento: The Main Event

This is the part people remember. The toboggans—called Carreiros do Monte—are more than a tourist stunt. They used to be a fast way for locals to travel from Monte down toward Funchal. The tradition appeared around the 1850s and continues today.

The ride runs down toward Livramento. That’s the signature route: hillside to city, steep momentum to real speed.

What you’ll likely feel on the ride

It’s an exhilarating downhill experience. The length isn’t described in detail here, but the key idea is speed and motion controlled by the carreiros (the riders/drivers). From the way guides talk about it, your experience depends a lot on your comfort level with:

• Sitting and holding on securely
• The thrill of gravity taking over
• Watching where the track goes next

A practical tip: pay attention when the guide warns about bumps or speed points on the way to the toboggan area. Guides on this tour are known for keeping people safe and informed.

Toboggan tickets cost extra (plan for it)

Toboggan tickets are not included. The info you’ll get is that tickets cost €35 for 2 people. So if you’re booking for two, you can budget that extra amount right away.

Queue reality

One more real-world consideration: you might not be able to reserve this part in advance, and you may queue when you arrive. The timing can affect wait length, and an early start is often the best way to keep the day smooth. If you’re on a cruise and don’t want stress, prioritize an earlier option when you can.

How the 2-Hour Timeline Actually Plays Out

This tour is designed to fit into a short window without feeling like a whirlwind. You’ll move in segments:

• Pickup and scenic drive around 20 minutes.
• Monte-area time around 10 minutes.
• Back toward Funchal with another 20 minutes of guided sightseeing and scenic stops.
• Rua de Santa Maria walk and visit time around 20 minutes (including photo time).
• Final stretch in central Funchal around 20 minutes, then you’re back where you started.

Why this matters for you: the time blocks are short enough to keep energy high, but they’re long enough to make the church and Old Town stops feel real, not like two quick photo moments.

If you’re the type who hates rushing, this format is a good match. If you’re the type who wants hours of museum time, this isn’t that kind of tour—but it’s excellent for a “see the key stuff, then enjoy the rest of the day” plan.

Guides Who Know the City Rhythm (Luis, André, Ricardo, Andrea)

A tuk tuk tour rises or falls on the guide. Here, the guides tend to be both friendly and tuned-in to what you want to see and how much time you need.

You may get different guides, including names like Luis, André, Ricardo, Andrea, and Lydia. The common thread is how they handle the ride and the storytelling:

• They point out landmarks as you drive.
• They share local history and geography so the stops make sense.
• They help you time the toboggan moment without turning it into chaos.

I also like the way guides are described as helpful with food and drink suggestions near the end. That’s practical. You’ll leave with ideas for the next step instead of just “nice views” and a free brochure.

Price and Value: $91 for Up to Two Plus the Toboggan Add-On

At $91 per group up to 2, you’re paying for a private experience with pickup and drop-off, a local driver/guide, and a blanket. The value here comes from the fact that you’re not just buying transportation—you’re buying access to a guided route with specific stops that connect Monte and Old Town.

Then there’s the add-on: toboggan tickets (€35 for 2 people). So your true “all-in” cost is that base tour plus the toboggan portion if you choose to ride.

Is it worth adding the toboggan? For most people, yes, because the ride is the defining Monte experience. If you skip it, you’ll still get a guided Old Town walk and Monte church visit—but you’ll lose the adrenaline payoff that makes this tour special.

Who This Tour Suits Best (and Who Should Rethink)

This works best for:

• Couples or small groups who want a private vibe
• People who like mixing a guided walk with scenic driving
• First-timers in Funchal who want a fast path to the big highlights

It’s not listed as suitable for:

• Children under 3 years
• People with mobility impairments
• Wheelchair users

Also, no baby strollers are allowed, and you should plan to travel light because luggage or large bags aren’t allowed.

If you’re traveling with lots of gear, consider whether you can pack it down. If your hands are free and you’re comfortable with short walks, the experience should feel easy.

Should You Book Tukway for Monte and Old Town?

If you want a simple plan that hits Monte’s church and gives you the chance to ride the Carreiros do Monte toboggans, I’d book this. The private setup and the targeted Old Town stop on Rua de Santa Maria make it feel like more than just “a ride up and down the hill.”

I’d especially consider it if you’re short on time, traveling as a pair, or you’d rather have a guide steer the day so you spend less energy figuring out routes and more energy enjoying Funchal.

Pass on it only if the toboggan doesn’t interest you enough to cover the extra ticket cost, or if mobility constraints make the walking and toboggan-area logistics a problem.

FAQ

Is pickup included?

Yes. You’ll get pickup and drop-off in Funchal or at the cruise ship terminal.

How long is the tour?

The experience is listed as 2 hours, with starting times depending on availability.

Is the toboggan ride included?

No. The toboggan tickets are paid separately, and the cost listed is €35 for 2 people.

Where does the toboggan ride go?

The toboggan ride goes down toward Livramento.

What’s the language of the guide?

The tour guide is listed as English.

Can I bring a stroller or large luggage?

No. Baby strollers and luggage or large bags aren’t allowed.

Is this tour suitable for children and mobility needs?

It isn’t suitable for children under 3 years. It’s also not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.