Private Tuk Tuk Tour to Old Town + Monte in Funchal

Traveling to Madeira? If you’re craving an authentic, fun, and slightly adventurous way to explore Funchal, this private tuk tuk tour might just be your best bet. Offering a blend of scenic viewpoints, cultural highlights, and a dash of thrill with the historic basket ride, it promises a compact but memorable experience. With knowledgeable guides, comfortable private transportation, and the chance to capture stunning photos, it hits many of the right notes.

One of the standout features we noticed is how personalized the tour feels—only your group participates, and your driver often doubles as a local guide, sharing insights you won’t find in typical guidebooks. However, keep in mind that tickets for specific attractions, like the basket ride, are not included in the price, so planning for some extra costs might be necessary.

This tour is ideal for travelers wanting a flexible, engaging introduction to Madeira’s charming streets and scenic heights, especially if you prefer a more intimate, private experience over large group tours. Whether you’re a first-timer or returning visitor, the combination of sightseeing, local stories, and fun moments makes it a versatile choice.

Key Points

• Personalized Experience: Only your group participates, making it more tailored and relaxed.
• Knowledgeable Guides: Guides like Ricky and Alexis offer local insights, making the ride more enriching.
• Scenic Highlights: You’ll visit viewpoints and areas like the Old Town and Monte, with plenty of photo opportunities.
• Historic Basket Ride: A fun, over 100-year-old tradition that adds a unique thrill—cost not included but highly recommended.
• Flexible & Convenient: Pickup and drop-off at your hotel save time and effort.
• Excellent Value: At around $46.44, this tour offers a lot of experiences for the price.

Introduction: Why a Private Tuk Tuk Tour?

If you’re after a quick, lively, and genuinely local way to explore Funchal, this private tuk tuk tour ticks all the boxes. We’ve seen various ways travelers get to know Madeira, but this experience combines the charm of a vintage transport with the comfort of a private guide—plus a dash of adrenaline on the basket descent.

What we love most is how flexible and personal it feels. You’re not part of a big crowd, and guides like Ricky or Alexis go beyond just driving—they share stories, answer questions, and point out hidden gems you might miss on your own.

That said, the one thing to keep in mind is that the ticket for the basket ride (the descent in the historic baskets) isn’t included in the tour price, so you’ll need to budget for that separately if you want to experience it. For those who enjoy a bit of adventure and want local insights in a relaxed setting, this tour is a great pick.

What Makes This Tour Worth Considering?

A Personal, Private Experience

This is a private tuk tuk tour, which means only your group is in the vehicle. This setup offers a more relaxed environment where your driver can tailor stops and commentary to your interests. Travelers frequently mention how helpful guides like Ricky and Alexis are, offering not just navigation but rich local stories. One reviewer says, “Alexis was great fun and very knowledgeable,” which adds that extra layer of value.

A Beautiful, Compact Itinerary

The tour covers two main spots: the Paroquia de Nossa Senhora do Monte and the Monte basket descent. You’ll get to visit the church, renowned for its architecture and views, and then descend in baskets with over 100 years of tradition—an experience that’s both scenic and historic.

On top of that, the tour includes stops at viewpoints and local spots, offering fantastic photo opportunities and glimpses into daily life in Funchal. Several reviews praise the guides for their knowledge and friendliness, making the experience more engaging.

Scenic Views and Photographic Moments

Expect to pass through old roads and scenic viewpoints where the landscape unfolds in dramatic terraces and lush greenery. Many reviews highlight the stunning vistas and how easy it is to capture incredible photos during stops. The guides often point out notable landmarks and offer historical tidbits, which make your photos more meaningful.

The Basket Ride: A Thrilling Tradition

The basket descent from Monte is a highlight for many visitors—and for good reason. The baskets are over a century old, and the descent lasts around 15 minutes, offering both a dose of adrenaline and a chance to see the landscape from a unique perspective. Reviewers describe it as “brilliant,” “so fun,” and “a must-do,” emphasizing its status as a true Madeira tradition.

Convenience and Comfort

The hotel pickup and drop-off included in the price eliminate the need to navigate Funchal’s busy streets or public transport. The private nature of the tour means that the timing is flexible—your guides keep you updated, especially if delays happen (like during busy cruise ship days). One reviewer noted, “Alexis kept us regularly updated,” which speaks to the professionalism of the service.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Stop 1: Paroquia de Nossa Senhora do Monte

The church of Our Lady of Monte is a key highlight. Known for its beautiful architecture and panoramic views, it’s a favorite photo spot. You’ll spend about 15 minutes here, enough to admire the church, take photos, and absorb the peaceful surroundings. Entrance is free, so you can enjoy the site without additional charges.

Stop 2: Monte Basket Descent

The famous basket ride is a 2-kilometer descent in traditional wicker baskets, an over 100-year-old tradition that’s both historically significant and entertaining. You’ll spend around 15 minutes waiting and experiencing the descent, which is often described as “brilliant” and “something you must do.”

One reviewer mentions delays during busy cruise days, especially when queues form at the baskets, but the guides are good at keeping everyone informed. It’s worth noting that tickets for this descent are not included in the tour price, so plan accordingly.

Additional Stops and Views

Throughout the tour, guides often stop at lookout points and interesting sites, allowing you to soak in the views and take photos. Some reviewers enjoyed tasting local spirits like Poncha at a bar, adding a taste of Madeira’s local culture.

End of Tour: Return to Your Hotel

The tour concludes back at the starting point or your hotel, making it a seamless experience. The duration varies from about 50 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on stops and wait times.

The Guide’s Role and Authentic Insights

Reviews consistently highlight how guides like Ricky, Ines, and Alexis go beyond just driving—they share stories and local knowledge that enrich your experience. Ricky, in particular, is praised for his friendly attitude, perfect English, and helpfulness, making the journey enjoyable and informative.

One reviewer states, “Ricky and Ines were great guides. Very informative,” which underscores the value of having guides who genuinely enjoy sharing Madeira’s culture and history.

Pricing and Value

At approximately $46.44 per person, this tour is a good deal considering it includes private transportation, multiple stops, and the chance to enjoy unique experiences like the basket ride. While you’ll need to pay separately for the basket descent ticket, the overall cost still remains reasonable for a personalized, guided tour that covers so much ground.

Compared to larger group tours, this private experience offers better flexibility and comfort, especially if you’re traveling with family or friends who appreciate a more intimate setting.

Final thoughts: Is this tour right for you?

If you’re someone who loves local culture, scenic views, and a bit of adventure, this tour ticks all the right boxes. It’s a fantastic way to get an overview of Funchal’s highlights without feeling rushed or lost in crowds. The guides’ friendliness and knowledge make the experience more engaging and authentic.

However, if your main goal is to see every attraction in detail or spend a lot of time at specific spots, you might find this tour a bit brief. Also, if the basket descent is a must-do for you, remember that the ticket isn’t included, so plan for that extra expense.

For travelers who enjoy small-group, personalized tours, and want a relaxed yet exciting way to explore, this tuk tuk adventure offers genuine value and memorable moments.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off at your hotel, making it very convenient.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts approximately 50 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on stops and wait times.

Are tickets for the basket ride included?
No, the basket ride ticket is not included in the price, so you’ll need to purchase it separately if you want to experience the descent.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refundable.

What’s the maximum group size?
Since it’s a private tour, only your group participates, providing a more personalized experience.

Is this tour suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate; it’s designed to be accessible and fun, but consider individual mobility levels if planning the basket descent.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Av. Sá Carneiro 3, São Martinho, and ends back at the same meeting point or your hotel.

Is public transportation nearby?
Yes, the meeting point is near public transportation, making it easy to access.

This private tuk tuk tour to Old Town and Monte in Funchal offers a rare combination of flexibility, cultural insights, and fun moments. Ideal for those wanting to explore at their own pace with a knowledgeable guide by their side, it delivers a memorable taste of Madeira’s highlights. The inclusion of scenic stops, a historic basket descent, and the chance to ask questions makes it more than just a sightseeing drive—it’s an engaging, authentic experience.

Perfect for travelers seeking intimacy and local flavor, this tour balances value with adventure. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to Madeira, it’s a charming way to see the island’s beauty in just a few hours.

Overall, if you’re looking for an authentic, personalized, and fun way to discover Funchal’s old town, scenic heights, and unique traditions, this tuk tuk tour is well worth considering.