Bejil-Ha is a youth-led initiative based in Chemuyil, Tulum. They combine cenote exploration, conservation and Community Tourism. Bejil-Ha has spent more than 10 years developing its own approach, combining guided experiences with the conservation and sustainable management of the community’s natural resources.

Bejil-Ha’s mission is to promote sustainable practices that help preserve community cenotes and protect their natural and cultural value for future generations.

Today, they offer guided tours to cenotes and beaches around Tulum by bicycle, on foot and by vehicle. The initiative reinvests tourism income in conservation, environmental education and community priorities, including maintaining natural areas, supporting community members facing serious illness or accidents, and contributing to cultural events such as Día de Muertos.

Building a stronger tourism experience

Bejil-Ha’s collaboration with Planeterra and the Iberostar Foundation grew from a shared interest in strengthening the tourism model the community was already developing.

Rather than creating a new initiative, the partnership has focused on supporting Bejil-Ha’s existing work and helping strengthen the infrastructure, skills and commercial foundations needed to welcome visitors.

Together, Planeterra and the Iberostar Foundation supported improvements identified as priorities by the community, including:

• Dry toilets in the jungle, improving basic visitor facilities while respecting the natural environment
• Improved access to cenotes, making visits safer and more comfortable
• Signage, helping visitors navigate and better understand the experience
• Operational capacity building and mentoring, strengthening Bejil-Ha’s ability to receive visitors
• Commercial and marketing support, helping the initiative build experience in tourism partnerships and prepare for future opportunities

The collaboration has also connected Bejil-Ha with media, content creators and travellers interested in responsible and community-based tourism, increasing visibility for the initiative and its work.

A partnership still taking shape

The collaboration with Iberostar is an ongoing effort to strengthen Community Tourism in Chemuyil. While a consistent flow of Iberostar guests has not yet been established, the partnership has generated valuable learning and tangible improvements for Bejil-Ha.

The experience has strengthened the initiative’s capacity to welcome visitors, develop its commercial strategy and work with tourism partners, creating a stronger foundation for future growth.

For Bejil-Ha, the focus remains on building tourism that supports the community while protecting the cenotes that are at the heart of its work.