Funchal: Monte Tropical Garden & Toboggan Ride by Tuk Tuk

If you’re considering a trip to Madeira, this tuk tuk tour of Funchal and Monte is often praised for its charm and compact way of showing you the island’s highlights. We’ve looked into what travelers love, what to expect, and whether it’s worth your time and money. From the stunning Monte Tropical Garden to the exhilarating toboggan ride, this experience offers a mix of sightseeing, local culture, and a bit of adrenaline — all in about three hours.

What really draws people in are the knowledgeable guides and the unique way of exploring Madeira via tuk tuk, which makes narrow streets and scenic drives both easy and fun. The garden visits stand out for their tranquility and beauty, while the toboggan ride adds a playful, traditional touch to a well-rounded tour. The only thing to keep in mind? The cost of entry tickets for the garden and toboggans are paid separately, which can add up if you’re not prepared.

This tour is appealing for those who want a personalized experience with a local guide, enjoy scenic viewpoints, and appreciate a mix of nature, history, and fun. It’s especially good for travelers who prefer a flexible, intimate approach over big-group bus tours. However, if you’re traveling with very young children or have mobility concerns, this might not be the best fit.

Key Points

• Private, personalized experience: The tour is designed for small groups or private bookings, which means more flexibility and attention from your guide.
• Expert guides: Many reviews highlight guides like Luis, Andrea, and Fabio for their friendliness and knowledge, making the trip more engaging.
• Stunning scenery and gardens: The Monte Tropical Garden covers over 70,000 m² of lush, exotic plants — a perfect spot for relaxing and snapping photos.
• Traditional toboggan ride: The ride down from Monte is a fun, historic way to experience local transport, with many reviewers calling it a must-do.
• Value for money: At $125 for a private group, the experience packs a lot of sights and stories into a short time, especially with the guide’s insights.
• Additional costs: Remember, tickets for the garden and toboggan are extra (around €15 for the garden and €35 for the toboggan for two people), so budget accordingly.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Tour

This three-hour adventure begins with a pickup at your hotel or cruise ship within Funchal, setting the tone for a seamless experience. Your driver/guide will take you through some of Funchal’s best spots, including the Old Town, where you’ll get a taste of local life and history. Expect a scenic drive that showcases Funchal’s charm, with plenty of opportunities for photos and quick stops.

The Drive to Monte

From Funchal’s city center, you’ll head towards the mountains of Monte, passing through winding roads with wonderful views. The guide’s commentary enriches the ride, sharing stories about Madeira’s culture and the significance of spots like Monte’s Church, which hosts the famous Feast of Our Lady of Monte. You’ll learn about local traditions and why these sites are meaningful.

Monte Tropical Garden

Once in Monte, you’ll visit the Monte Palace Madeira, a sprawling garden filled with exotic plants from around the world. Although the tuk tuk doesn’t go inside the gardens, you’ll have plenty of time to explore on your own or relax with a coffee. Over 70,000 square meters of lush greenery await, with scenes that are perfect for strolling and photography. Reviews often mention the peaceful atmosphere and the beauty of the plants, making it a highlight for nature lovers.

The Monte Toboggan Ride

No trip to Madeira would be complete without the famous toboggan ride. The tradition dates back decades, with locals historically using these wicker sledges to descend the hill. Today, it’s a fun, slightly adrenaline-pumping activity that many travelers find to be the most memorable part. The ride costs around €35 for two people, paid separately, but reviews frequently describe it as “worth every penny” and “a thrill you won’t forget.” If queues are long, which sometimes happens during cruise ship seasons, you might find waiting a bit tedious, but most agree it’s a unique experience.

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Returning to Funchal

After the toboggan ride, you’ll head back down to Funchal for a brief sightseeing session and some free time. Many travelers appreciate how the tour allows them to see a lot without feeling rushed, thanks to the flexible planning and knowledgeable guide.

The Real Experience: What Travelers Say

Guides like Luis, Andrea, and Fabio get rave reviews for their friendly, informative approach. As one reviewer put it, “Luis had lots of facts and made the trip so enjoyable,” while another mentioned that their guide, Andrea, “went above and beyond.” Multiple reviews emphasized that the guides’ local knowledge and engaging personalities made the tour more than just sightseeing — it became a memorable story-filled experience.

The Monte Tropical Garden is often highlighted as a tranquil haven. One reviewer called it “a haven of tranquility,” and many loved the opportunity to relax, take photos, or enjoy a coffee amidst the lush surroundings. The toboggan ride is universally praised for being fun and uniquely Madeira, with some saying it was their favorite part of the day.

However, there are some practical considerations. The tickets for the garden and toboggans are paid separately, which can catch some travelers off guard if they don’t budget ahead. Also, note that the tuk tuk does not go inside the garden, so if exploring in depth is your priority, you’ll need to buy a separate ticket.

The Practical Details

• Duration: About 3 hours — perfect for a half-day activity that’s not overly tiring.
• Price: $125 per group (up to 2 people), which breaks down to a reasonable rate considering it includes a private guide and transport.
• Included: Pickup and drop-off within Funchal, a knowledgeable local guide, and a blanket for cooler days.
• Not included: Entrance tickets for the garden (€15 per person) and toboggan (€35 for 2), plus food and drinks.
• Transport: The tuk tuk is new, comfortable, and equipped with seatbelts, making it safe and convenient to negotiate narrow streets.
• Group size: Private, so expect a customized experience tailored to your interests.
• Accessibility: Not suitable for children under 3, people with mobility issues, or wheelchair users, mainly due to the nature of the transport and walking involved.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a cultural and scenic overview of Madeira in a relaxed, fun way. If you enjoy learning stories about local traditions and historical sites, the guides’ insights will add a lot to your trip. It’s also perfect if you’re keen on nature and gardens, and want a bit of thrill with the toboggan ride.

Because it’s a private tour, it’s suited to couples, friends, or small groups seeking a more personalized approach. The tour’s pace and content are flexible, which means you can focus on the aspects that interest you most.

What Could Be Better?

While most reviews rave about the guides and the experience, some mention that waiting times for the toboggan can be long if there are many cruise ships docked — so planning ahead or choosing a less busy time might help. Also, since the entrance fees are extra, travelers should be prepared for additional costs, especially if they want to explore the gardens in depth.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

If you’re after a compact, engaging way to see Funchal and Monte, this tuk tuk tour offers a nice balance of scenery, culture, and fun. The expert guides make all the difference, turning what could be a simple sightseeing trip into a memorable story. The Monte Tropical Garden and toboggan ride are highlights that many find well worth the price.

This tour suits those who appreciate local character—it’s not just about ticking off sights, but about enjoying a personalized journey with a knowledgeable host. If you’re looking for an activity that blends a bit of adventure with cultural insights, you’ll likely find this experience a very good investment in your Madeira trip.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
It’s mostly designed for adults and older children, as the toboggan ride and walking in the gardens might not be ideal for very young children or those with mobility issues.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes about 3 hours, including the sightseeing, garden visit, and toboggan ride.

Are entrance tickets included?
No, the garden (€15 per person) and toboggan (€35 for 2) tickets are paid separately at the venue.

Can I customize the tour?
Since it’s a private experience, guides are usually flexible to some extent, especially if booked in advance. You can focus more on what interests you.

Is the tuk tuk comfortable?
Yes, reviews describe the tuk tuk as new and comfortable, with seatbelts for safety.

Is this tour good for a quick overview of Madeira?
Definitely. It hits many highlights in a short time, ideal for travelers with limited days or cruise ship stops.

What should I bring?
Weather-appropriate clothing, as Madeira’s climate can vary. A camera and some cash for tickets are also recommended.

Is the guide informative?
Absolutely. Guides like Luis and Andrea are praised for their friendliness and detailed stories about Madeira.

What if I have questions after booking?
You can contact the tour provider, TUKWAY, via WhatsApp or other means, and they’ll help tailor your experience.

In all, this tuk tuk adventure offers a thoughtful mix of scenic beauty, local culture, and fun. Whether you’re a first-timer or returning visitor, it can add a memorable flavor to your Madeira trip—just be sure to budget for the extra entrance fees!

You can check availability for your dates here: