Funchal: Private Tuk Tuk Old Town & Monte with Basket Descent

Funchal’s winding lanes, Monte’s church & that wild basket ride

You’ll ride a tuk tuk through Funchal’s narrow streets with a local guide, visit Monte’s historic church, and then speed down old roads in a traditional basket cart. A rush you won’t forget soon. Includes hotel pickup so you don’t have to worry about logistics. The mix of city sounds and mountain air will stick with you long after.

Step-by-step itinerary

Tuk Tuk Tour and Monte Visit

• Visit Church of Our Lady of Monte
• Descend 2km in historic basket carts

The experience

The first thing I remember is the sound: tuk tuk engines rattling against the quiet morning in Funchal. Our guide, João, waved from across the street, grinning like he’d known us forever. We squeezed into his tuk tuk (surprisingly comfy seats) and zipped through alleys where the walls are close enough you could almost touch both sides if you stretched. I caught a whiff of baking bread somewhere near Rua de Santa Maria: wish I’d stopped to grab some, honestly.

Monte came up fast, all green slopes and that church, Church of Our Lady of Monte, perched above everything. João told us about pilgrimages and pointed out little things: old tiles on the steps, a woman selling flowers with hands stained yellow from pollen. Inside it was cool and smelled faintly of wax. I tried to whisper “Nossa Senhora” but tripped over my Portuguese. João just laughed and said I had good spirit. Not sure if that was true.

Then came the part I didn’t really believe until we were doing it, the basket carts. Two men in straw hats grabbed our cart (these things have been running for over 100 years!) and suddenly we were flying down this 2km stretch of road. Wind in my face, shoes squeaking on polished wood, people waving from balconies above. It’s loud but also kind of peaceful? Hard to explain. My heart was pounding but I couldn’t stop laughing. Even now when someone mentions Madeira, I think of that wild descent more than anything else.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off plus time with a local guide who knows every shortcut through Funchal’s Old Town before heading up to Monte for a visit to its famous church, and finally that classic basket cart descent back towards town.

Options for this experience

2 options

Monte in Funchal: Private Tuk Tuk TourUp to 3 per booking · Guide in 4 languages · 18 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 16:30Includes pickup

GermanUp to 2 per booking · 08:15, 10:00, 12:30 and 15:00Tuk tuk

You pick the guide language when booking.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to Saturday18 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 16:30

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (18 to 65 years) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (3 years) · Under 3: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, German and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on site€ 20

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Tuktuking

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, German and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 12 years); Infant (3 years). Under 3: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Is hotel pickup included for the Funchal tuk tuk tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in this tour.

How long is the basket cart descent in Monte?

The basket cart ride descends about 2 kilometers down old roads.

What main sights do you see on this private tour?

You’ll visit Funchal Old Town, Monte area, and the Church of Our Lady of Monte.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant travelers?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers.

Are public transportation options nearby after the tour?

Yes, there are public transportation options available nearby.

Who leads the Funchal tuk tuk & basket cart tour?

A local guide accompanies you throughout the experience.

Is lunch included in this private tour?

No lunch is included as part of this tour package.