Madeira Monte Tobbogans and Old Town Tuk Tuk Tour by MadTuk

A few turns in a tuk tuk and suddenly you are in Monte. This short outing pairs Funchal viewpoints with Carreiros do Monte toboggans, plus a guided ride back through old town.

I especially like the feel of a private, exclusive service. You get pickup within the Funchal area, a local guide, and a built-in photo stop so you do not waste time hunting for the right angle.

One thing to plan for: the toboggan ride is not included, and the activity needs good weather. If your timing is tight, you will want to buy tickets quickly and be ready for possible waiting for a descent slot.

Key highlights you should know

• Private tuk tuk with pickup in central Funchal, so you start close to where you are staying
• Miradouro dos Marmeleiros viewpoint, a 1939 viewpoint with dramatic views over Funchal
• Nossa Senhora do Monte Church stop, including the famous staircase photo moment
• Carreiros do Monte toboggans, the signature adrenaline ride from Monte
• Guided ticket help and meeting point, so you are not trying to figure everything out mid-adrenaline
• Back to Funchal old town, with an included photo stop along the way

Why this Monte day feels like the perfect Madeira sampler

This is the kind of tour that fits well if you want a hit of different Madeira vibes without committing to a full half-day. You get an easy “orientation drive” through Funchal, then a switch to Monte, where the big views and the toboggan tradition take center stage.

The best part is how the tour rhythm keeps you moving. You are not spending hours on buses, you are bouncing between scenic stops and then stepping into the famous Carreiros do Monte experience when you are in the right neighborhood for it.

Price, what you get, and what costs extra

At $48.19 per person for about 1 to 2 hours, this is priced like a value-friendly private add-on. You pay for a guide, pickup and drop-off in the Funchal area, insurance, and a tuk tuk ride that is tailored to your group, not a packed shared vehicle.

What matters most: the main paid activity is separate. Toboggan tickets are not included, and paid sites or entrances (if you choose to add anything) are also not included in the tour price.

Also keep two small add-on costs in mind:

• If you are coming from a cruise ship, there can be a €3.00 per person port fee, and cruise Port/Dock pickup requires 24 hours notice plus an extra €6 per vehicle payment, paid to the driver.
• Any extra stop beyond what is booked is up to you, and weather can change timing.

If you want the quick checklist mindset: expect to pay the tour price, then budget for the toboggan tickets.

Funchal coast to Santa Luzia gardens: the quick orientation drive

Before you reach the viewpoints, you pass through Funchal’s coastal town area, and then you head toward the natural garden of Santa Luzia. This is not a long walking tour, so you should not expect deep hikes. Instead, you are getting your bearings fast, plus a feel for how Madeira’s towns rise and fold around the coast.

Why I like this setup for first-time visitors: it gives context for what you later see from above. When you finally stand at the miradouro, you understand where you came from and what you are looking at.

Miradouro dos Marmeleiros: a 1939 viewpoint with real altitude

Your first real stop is Miradouro dos Marmeleiros, where you get around 10 minutes to take in Funchal from above. This viewpoint sits 383 meters over the city, and it was built in 1939, which adds a satisfying sense of place. You are looking out over the capital of Madeira, and on a clear day the view does the work of a longer tour.

Practical tip: keep your camera ready here. Ten minutes goes quickly, and you will likely want a few angles, one wide and one tighter on the city shapes.

Possible drawback: if the weather is hazy, the view can be less dramatic. This is still a great stop, but it becomes more about the outlook than the wow-factor on those days.

Monte Church and the famous staircase: short stop, big payoff

Next you move to Paroquia de Nossa Senhora do Monte, with about 10 minutes on site. The star is the Monte Church and its famous staircase, and even if you only do a quick look, it is one of those Madeira scenes that reads instantly as Monte.

This is one of those stops that feels good even with limited time. You do not need long explanations to appreciate the scale of the staircase and the way it frames the church setting.

If you are pairing this with the toboggans later, it also helps to break up your mental gears. You go from viewpoint mode to a cultural landmark moment, then you switch back to adrenaline.

Carreiros do Monte toboggans: what makes it worth it

The heart of the tour is the Carreiros do Monte – Partida toboggans, with about 30 minutes allocated for the ride experience. This is the famous sled-style descent used to transport tourists, and it has become a must-do tradition on Madeira.

A few things to understand so you are not surprised:

• Your toboggan tickets are not included, so you will need to purchase them separately.
• You might need to line up or wait for your slot, depending on timing and operations.
• Your guide role matters here. In past outings, the tuk tuk guide has helped people find ticket pickup and has met them at the bottom for the return back to Funchal.

Why this feels like good value even though tickets cost extra: the tour already gets you to the exact starting area in Monte, on a schedule that fits the rest of your day. You are not spending time getting lost or scrambling for transport after the ride.

Safety and comfort notes you should take seriously:

• Most people can participate, but the tour has vehicle restrictions: no one over 110 kg.
• Children under 3 can travel only on a baby sling/pouch.
• If you are unsure about fit or safety, ask before you go, because these rules are tied to the vehicle restrictions.

Also, remember weather. The experience requires good weather, and if poor conditions shut things down, you will need to adapt.

Old town Funchal and the photo stop that saves time

After the toboggans, you head back through the older parts of Funchal. There is a photo stop included, which is a smart little detail. It means you get one planned moment for photos instead of trying to multitask your memory and your camera while you are still hyped from the descent.

This is also a chance to look for small contrasts. Monte feels like the high viewpoint world. Old town brings you back to the streets, the mix of everyday life, and the classic Madeira street energy.

If you like photography, you’ll probably want to do one last wide shot before you call it a day. That photo will help you later connect what you saw above with what you walked through down below.

What makes the guides and private tuk tuk style work

This tour is private, so only your group rides together. That usually means a calmer feel, more flexibility for photos, and fewer awkward moments of waiting while someone from a larger group finds the exact right spot to stand.

I also like the way guides are described as helpful in real situations. Some people mention guide names like Bruno and Fabio, and the common thread is a friendly, accommodating vibe with genuine pride in Madeira. That matters, because you are not just getting transported, you are also getting the small context that makes viewpoints feel personal.

One note for your expectations: it is a tuk tuk, not a long museum lecture. You will get what you need, not a full cultural seminar. If that matches your travel style, you will love this format.

Who should book this tour (and who might not)

This tour is a great fit if you want:

• A short, high-impact day with both viewpoints and the Monte tradition
• A private ride that keeps you from waiting around with strangers
• A convenient way to reach the toboggan start point without stress

It might not be ideal if:

• You hate any chance of waiting at the toboggan area, even if you are on time
• You are traveling during iffy weather, since good weather is required
• You want the toboggan ride included in the base price, because tickets are extra

Age-wise, it is broadly open, but the under-3 sling/pouch rule is strict. Weight-wise, the 110 kg limit is also a hard boundary.

If you are in your late 70s or older, or if you simply want a manageable day without long walking, the short stop durations and guided transport can make this feel achievable.

Practical tips so your day runs smoothly

Here are the details that help most people get the best experience out of it:

• Book a bit early if you can. The average booking window is about 41 days in advance, and earlier planning can help reduce stress around tight cruise schedules.
• Bring cash or a card for toboggan tickets, since they are not included. The guide can help point you in the right direction, but you still need to pay for the ride itself.
• If you are doing this from a cruise, confirm whether you need the €6 per vehicle payment for Port/Dock pickup, and remember the €3 per person port fee.
• Wear shoes you trust for quick stops, and be ready for changing light as you move from coast to hills.
• Keep an eye on your group’s weight limits because 110 kg max is tied to the vehicle rules.
• Bring a light layer. Madeira weather can shift fast, and you will feel it more when you are waiting for the descent.

Should you book MadTuk’s Monte Toboggans and Old Town Tuk Tuk Tour?

If your goal is a fun, efficient mix of Madeira views plus the Monte toboggan tradition, I think this is a solid booking. You are paying for the private tuk tuk experience, local guidance, and smooth transport between the key spots, while still getting the big ticket highlight of Carreiros do Monte.

I would book this if you:

• Want a day that is easy to fit into a busy itinerary
• Like the idea of short timed stops at viewpoints and landmarks
• Are comfortable budgeting extra for toboggan tickets

I would hesitate only if:

• Weather is unstable, or you are very risk-averse about activities needing good conditions
• You strongly prefer a single price with every entrance included, because that is not how this one is structured

If you plan around those realities, this tour can feel like one of the most Madeira-specific experiences you can fit into a couple of hours.

FAQ

Is the toboggan ride included in the $48.19 price?

No. The tickets to the sledges/toboggans are not included in the tour price, so you will need to purchase them separately.

How long is the tour, and how much time do I get at each stop?

The tour runs about 1 to 2 hours. You get about 10 minutes at Miradouro dos Marmeleiros, about 10 minutes at Paroquia de Nossa Senhora do Monte, and about 30 minutes at Carreiros do Monte for the tobaggans, plus travel time between stops.

Are there admission fees for the viewpoints and church stops?

Those stops are listed as free: Miradouro dos Marmeleiros and Paroquia de Nossa Senhora do Monte both show admission ticket free.

Do they pick you up from your hotel?

They offer pickup and drop-off within the Funchal area, specifically within a 2 km range from their sales point. Pickup outside that area requires contacting them.

Can cruise passengers be picked up inside the port?

Yes, but only with 24 hours advance notice, and there is an extra €6 per vehicle payment that is paid to the driver. A €3.00 per person port fee may also apply.

What is the cancellation policy if weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Are there limits for children or body weight?

Yes. Children under 3 can only travel on a baby sling/pouch. There is also a vehicle restriction: it’s not allowed for people over 110 kg.