Monte Toboggan and Old Town Tuk Tuk Tour Funchal

Funchal's streets, a steep climb to Monte, the Church of Our Lady, and the toboggan run back down

A tuk tuk tour from Funchal through the Old Town and up to Monte village, with a local guide speaking English, Spanish or Portuguese. The route passes Santa Luzia gardens and the Marmeleiros viewpoint, reaches the Church of Our Lady of Monte and its famous staircase, and gives you access to the world-renowned Monte Toboggan Ride: a 19th-century tradition where skilled operators guide a wicker sled down the winding mountain roads. Pickup and drop-off within Funchal are included. Toboggan tickets are separate.

Step-by-step itinerary

Funchal to Monte and Old Town Tour

• Pass through Funchal coastal town
• Pass through Santa Luzia garden
• Stop at Marmeleiros viewpoint
• Visit Monte Church and staircase
• Experience Monte Toboggan Ride
• Pass through Funchal Old Town

The experience

The tuk tuk picks you up in Funchal and heads through the Old Town's painted doors and colourful streets before climbing toward Monte. Along the way, you pass the Santa Luzia gardens and stop at the Marmeleiros viewpoint, built in 1939 and standing 383 meters above the city: a panoramic vantage point over Madeira's capital. Your local guide shares stories about Madeira's culture and traditions as the route unfolds.

At Monte, 550 meters high, you visit the Church of Our Lady of Monte and its historic staircase. The village itself sits in lush gardens that have drawn visitors for centuries. From here, you have the option to ride the Monte Toboggan. The sledge experience that has carried thousands of tourists down the winding roads for over a hundred years. Skilled carreiros (sled operators) guide the wicker sled, and the ride combines adrenaline with views back over the city and beyond. Toboggan tickets are bought separately at the site.

After Monte, the tour returns through Funchal's historic centre, exploring the emblematic old area before drop-off. The whole experience runs between one and two hours. Pickup and drop-off within Funchal are included, along with photo stops and insurance. The guide is live and speaks your choice of English, Spanish or Portuguese.

What’s included

• Local guide in your choice of English, Spanish or Portuguese.
• pickup and drop-off within Funchal.
• photo stops at viewpoints and landmarks.
• insurance.
• access to Monte village, the Church of Our Lady, and the toboggan ride site (toboggan tickets purchased separately).

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDepartures at 08:30, 12:00 and 14:30

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (18 to 95 years) · Child (4 to 17 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish 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. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on site€ 3

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by MadTuk

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to see Funchal's highlights and reach Monte's gardens and church in one outing. The tuk tuk handles the winding climb and the timing, so you focus on the views and the stories. The toboggan ride is optional and ticketed separately, so you decide whether to add that adrenaline moment when you arrive.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 17 years). Children under 4 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.

What is the Monte Toboggan Ride and how does it work?

The Monte Toboggan is a wicker sled that descends the winding roads of Monte village, a tradition dating back to the 19th century. Skilled operators called carreiros guide the sled down the mountain, and the ride offers both adrenaline and panoramic views over Funchal and the surrounding landscape. Tickets are purchased separately at the site, not included in the tour price.

How high is Monte and what will I see there?

Monte sits 550 meters above Funchal. You visit the Church of Our Lady of Monte with its famous staircase, surrounded by lush gardens. The village also offers views back over the city and the coast beyond.

Does the tour include stops for photos?

Yes, photo stops are included throughout the tour, including at the Marmeleiros viewpoint (383 meters above Funchal) and at scenic points along the route through Funchal's Old Town.

Is pickup from my hotel included?

Pickup and drop-off are included within the Funchal area. If your accommodation is outside Funchal, that option is available at checkout.