Carros de Cesto (Basket Carts Toboggan Downhill), Funchal

Basket Carts Toboggan Downhill (Carros de Cesto) is a popular tourist attraction in Funchal. The ride takes visitors down a thrilling descent from the village of Monte to the city of Funchal in a traditional basket sled that dates back to the early 19th century.

Originally used as a means of transport by residents to quickly travel between Monte and Funchal, the toboggan ride has become an iconic symbol of Madeira Island and a must-do activity for visitors. The descent covers a distance of approximately 2 kilometers and takes about 10 minutes to complete.

The basket sleds are operated by two runners dressed in white and wearing traditional straw boater hats. The runners control the speed of the sled using their rubber-soled boots as brakes. The ride can reach speeds of up to 30 kilometers per hour, providing a thrilling and unforgettable experience for visitors.

The route from Monte to Livramento is located in a picturesque area and offers spectacular views of the surrounding scenery. Monte is renowned for its lush gardens and stunning views over the city and beyond, making it an ideal spot for visitors to explore before or after their toboggan ride.