Elmer Tours Ometepe — Local services in Moyogalpa

If you're a solo female traveller, I would be wary about booking a guided tour with Elmer. He was my guide and drove me around the island on a scooter. Although his guiding was excellent and really informative, there were quite a lot of red flags during the day that made me feel very uncomfortable e.g. when swimming at Ojo de Agua, he'd bought me a cocktail that I hadn't asked for, and hadn't seen being made. I had no idea what was in it, and only know that it wasn't spiked because he asked to try some when I pretended to drink it and said that it was too strong for me. I wasn't happy about him drinking rum with me on the back of the bike, but at least I then knew that the drink was ok. However, it genuinely was really strong, and I hadn't asked for it and hadn't eaten anything since breakfast, so really didn't want to get drunk and be put in an even more vulnerable position. Whilst there, he made several comments about me having a really good body, which made me extremely uncomfortable. He offered to buy me beer at sunset as well. Obviously I didn't know if he was thinking that he was just being friendly, but my suspicions were confirmed as we drove back to town after sunset, and he started to stroke and hold onto my leg (thankfully he could only easily reach my shin), whilst telling me how much he liked me. He said he wished I'd left my passport as a deposit instead of $100, so that then he could keep hold of it to stop me leaving the island the next day. He said he'd keep my money instead. I decided against telling him to stop stroking my leg because I was concerned by being on the back of the bike. I knew there was no actual danger other than that, as he was already getting phone calls about being late to pick up the bikes and return deposits of other people in my hostel. If he hadn't have been having to go back there immediately, I would have been pretty scared to be on the bike alone with him in the dark. When we were back at the hostel, he did try to keep hold of my money. He gave the other people their's back, and then went to leave. I had to chase after him to get it (while making sure everyone could still see us).

Like I said, he was good at guiding, but there was definite sexual harassment and he put me in a really uncomfortable position where I ended up being worried for my safety. Just be careful if you're a solo...

If you're a solo female traveller, I would be wary about booking a guided tour with Elmer. He was my guide and drove me around the island on a scooter. Although his guiding was excellent and really informative, there were quite a lot of red flags during the day that made me feel very uncomfortable e.g. when swimming at Ojo de Agua, he'd bought me a cocktail that I hadn't asked for, and hadn't seen being made. I had no idea what was in it, and only know that it wasn't spiked because he asked to try some when I pretended to drink it and said that it was too strong for me. I wasn't happy about him drinking rum with me on the back of the bike, but at least I then knew that the drink was ok. However, it genuinely was really strong, and I hadn't asked for it and hadn't eaten anything since breakfast, so really didn't want to get drunk and be put in an even more vulnerable position. Whilst there, he made several comments about me having a really good body, which made me extremely uncomfortable. He offered to buy me beer at sunset as well. Obviously I didn't know if he was thinking that he was just being friendly, but my suspicions were confirmed as we drove back to town after sunset, and he started to stroke and hold onto my leg (thankfully he could only easily reach my shin), whilst telling me how much he liked me. He said he wished I'd left my passport as a deposit instead of $100, so that then he could keep hold of it to stop me leaving the island the next day. He said he'd keep my money instead. I decided against telling him to stop stroking my leg because I was concerned by being on the back of the bike. I knew there was no actual danger other than that, as he was already getting phone calls about being late to pick up the bikes and return deposits of other people in my hostel. If he hadn't have been having to go back there immediately, I would have been pretty scared to be on the bike alone with him in the dark. When we were back at the hostel, he did try to keep hold of my money. He gave the other people their's back, and then went to leave. I had to chase after him to get it (while making sure everyone could still see us).

Like I said, he was good at guiding, but there was definite sexual harassment and he put me in a really uncomfortable position where I ended up being worried for my safety. Just be careful if you're a solo...

You are lucky to know Elmer! The best connection to have on Ometepe. Elmer is very knowledgeable, courteous, helpful, and has the best equipment and you won’t find a better price. Elmer does the tours and makes thing happen first hand, rather than outsourcing to a third party. His English is really good and he is wonderful with children too. I first met Elmer 5 years ago and through all this time he continues to be a top notch business on Ometepe. I can’t recommend getting his number and making this connection enough. He is a guy willing to help it adds a sense of security being able to have a friend like him. Support his business and keep locals like Elmer and his family going so everyone visiting can be in great hands. Very professional and his equipment is in excellent condition. As I said, you’re lucky to be reading this and know you found the gem of a guy on Ometepe! Look no further, this is the place for tours...