Walk With Me. I’ll Show You My Belize.
Hi, I’m Alvin Brown. I was born and raised in Placencia, a quiet village by the sea, and now I guide travelers through the rivers, caves, and jungle trails of inland Belize. But my story starts way before I ever led a tour.
This is the Belize I grew up in — and the journey that shaped the guide I became.
My Journey
🌴 Placencia Roots
I grew up waking to the smell of Johny cakes baking on a fireheart. My grandmother used coconut husk to fuel the flame, and my mom made coconut fudge that I sold around the village. We started our mornings with a swim in the sea, sometimes fished before school, and summer meant picking sea grapes and coco plums that grandma would turn into sweet treats.
💻 A Broken Computer Changed My Life
When I started high school, my dad sent me a computer running Windows 95. It broke within days. I didn’t know how to fix it, but I spent a year reading, learning, and finally reinstalled the system. That was the start of a journey into tech that later helped me build websites, solve problems, and open doors.
🌪️ Hurricane Iris
In 2001, Hurricane Iris tore through Placencia. I was still in school. The storm destroyed homes, boats, and parts of our village. But it also revealed how strong we were. That moment taught me about resilience, and I carry that into every adventure I lead.
🏓 From Tourism Work to Inland Dreams
While still in school, I raked beaches, stocked supplies, and took out the trash at a restaurant that’s now Barefoot Beach Bar. That was my first job in tourism. But my heart was drawn inland. A visit to Xunantunich changed everything — the view from the top made me dream of living in Cayo.
⛵️ Conservation and Family Legacy
I interned with Friends of Nature, managing Laughingbird Caye. My uncle ran a whale shark dive shop, and my grandfather helped push for early marine protection. That passion for nature and community is part of who I am.
🏢 Belize City Detour
I tried to move to San Ignacio but ended up in Belize City for four years, building websites and working with Japanese tourists. They taught me hospitality through attention to detail. That experience now shapes how I care for my guests.
🚗 A Phone That Changed Everything
Eventually, I moved to San Ignacio. Life was hard, and I almost gave up. But then someone asked me to fix a phone. It belonged to Mr. Daniel Silva — the same man my grandfather once met to advocate for fisheries. I fixed it, and he hired me. That led me to Cahal Pech Village Resort, where I still collaborate today, now working independently.
Why I Guide — And What Belize Means to Me
Belize isn’t just a place on the map. It’s family, memory, and resilience. After Hurricane Iris, I experienced a turning point that changed everything. I realized that living close to nature—in the jungle—was the best way to protect my family and preserve a piece of this beautiful land. Owning and caring for a piece of Belize where we can live sustainably and protect the environment became my passion and responsibility.
I guide not just to show off landmarks, but to connect people to the real Belize — the Belize I’ve lived and love. I want to share the stories, culture, and spirit that make this place so special.
I also speak both English and Belizean Creole. Around here, we say “Weh di goan?” — which means “What’s going on?” in our local language. When guests hear me speak Creole, they smile, ask questions, and sometimes get a quick lesson right there on the trail. Because language isn’t just words — it’s a bridge to connection.
Whether it’s a cave tour, a Maya site, or a hidden waterfall, I bring stories with me — and I hope you leave with stories of your own.
About Me: Quick Facts
Raised in Placencia
Born by the beach, shaped by the sea
Self-Taught Techie
Fixed my first PC at 15 with no internet
Guide & Educator
Licensed, experienced, and always learning
Story-Driven Approach
Every tour connects culture, nature, and memory
Our Professional Credentials & Commitment to Excellence
At Belize with Alvin, we believe that exceptional tours start with expertise, safety, and a deep respect for Belize’s natural and cultural heritage. That’s why Alvin holds a range of official licenses, certifications, and training credentials—from the Belize Tourism Board’s National Tour Guide program to specialized courses in customer service, wildlife conservation, jungle survival and first aid. These qualifications ensure that every guest experiences knowledgeable guidance, personalized care, and responsible tourism at its best.
Explore the tabs below to learn more about our official licenses and certifications, or read our detailed certifications and training story to understand how these milestones shape the Belize with Alvin experience.
Pending.
Belize With Alvin: More Than a Tour
This isn’t a mass tour business. It’s the result of tradition, passion, and second chances. When you walk with me, you’re not just a guest — you’re part of something real.
Support My Work
I’m currently raising funds for video equipment to capture the stories, wildlife, and voices of real Belize. If you believe in storytelling that goes beyond the tourist surface:
Behind-the-Scenes Questions (FAQ)
Yes. Most of my tours are personalized based on your interests, schedule, and sense of adventure. Whether you’re into caves, Maya ruins, birdwatching, or just want to explore the hidden side of Belize — I can help you build the perfect trip.
I speak English and Belizean Creole (Kriol). Guests often ask about the language, and I’m happy to explain or teach a few Creole phrases on tour. It’s one of the ways I bring local culture into the experience.
My storytelling comes from lived experience — fireheart mornings in Placencia, fishing before school, fixing my first computer without the internet. I don’t just guide tours, I share pieces of real Belize. That’s what keeps me going.
It’s hard to choose, but inland Belize — especially around Cayo — speaks to me. I love the quiet power of the rainforest and the feeling of walking a trail that tells a story. That said, Placencia will always be my first love — where sea grapes, sand, and family made me who I am.
🌴 Guest Voices From the Early Days
“We stayed there in March and are heading back in two weeks… Booked through Alvin at belizetravelcentral.com…”
— Guest review, early 2003
BelizeTravelCentral.com was created by my father and later helped launch my own path in Belize tourism. Today, I continue that same mission through BelizeWithAlvin.com.
Ready to Explore the Real Belize?
If my story speaks to you, I’d love to show you the Belize that shaped me. Let’s build your adventure — together.