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Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Guatemala Property Pack
Airbnb in Guatemala can generate substantial returns, especially in tourist hotspots like Antigua where top properties earn over $3,700 monthly. However, success requires careful neighborhood selection, proper cost management, and understanding local market dynamics to achieve profitable operations.
The Guatemala short-term rental market offers compelling opportunities for investors willing to navigate seasonal fluctuations and operating complexities. With gross yields potentially exceeding 12% in prime locations, the market rewards strategic property selection and professional management.
If you want to go deeper, you can check our pack of documents related to the real estate market in Guatemala, based on reliable facts and data, not opinions or rumors.
Guatemala's Airbnb market shows strong potential with Antigua leading profitability at median monthly income of $932 versus Guatemala City's $556. Top performers in Antigua can earn $3,759+ monthly with 80%+ occupancy rates.
Operating costs typically consume 35-50% of gross income, requiring careful management to achieve net yields of 3-8% depending on location and property type.
| Location | Median Monthly Income | Top 10% Monthly Income | Typical Net Yield |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guatemala City | $556 | $1,459+ | 3-6% |
| Antigua | $932 | $3,759+ | 6-8%+ |
| Property Type | Best Occupancy | Average Nightly Rate | Operating Costs |
| 1-2 Bedroom Apartment | 40-80% | $46-80 | 35-50% of revenue |
| Large Group House | 39-80% | $145-257+ | 35-50% of revenue |
| Break-even Timeline | Investment Range | Setup Costs | ROI Potential |
| 3-10 years | $110,000-500,000+ | $8,500-36,500 | 6.6-12%+ gross |
Which neighborhoods in Guatemala offer the highest Airbnb profits and nightly rates?
Antigua Guatemala dominates Guatemala's short-term rental market with significantly higher rates than the capital city.
In Antigua, the Historic Center commands the highest premiums, with top-tier properties earning $257+ per night as of September 2025. Other profitable neighborhoods include Cerro de la Cruz, Santa Ana, San Francisco, and El Carmen, all benefiting from the city's UNESCO World Heritage status and colonial charm.
Guatemala City's most lucrative areas center around Zona 10 (Zona Viva), the upscale business and entertainment district that attracts both business and leisure travelers. Zona 4 appeals to younger travelers and creatives with its trendy cafes and art scene, while Zona 1's historic center draws culture-focused visitors.
The rate differential between cities is substantial. Antigua's median nightly rate reaches $80 compared to Guatemala City's $46, with top-performing Antigua properties commanding $257+ versus Guatemala City's $88+ for premium listings.
It's something we develop in our Guatemala property pack.
What property types and sizes generate the best Airbnb occupancy in Guatemala?
Entire home and apartment rentals consistently outperform other accommodation types across Guatemala's short-term rental market.
In Guatemala City, entire home/apartment listings comprise 86% of the market, with apartments and condos making up 86.6% of available inventory. One-bedroom units dominate demand at 45.1% of listings, followed by two-bedroom properties at 28%, collectively representing 73% of the market.
Antigua shows a different pattern, where entire homes account for 62.1% of listings, with standalone houses representing 54.2% of the supply. The size distribution is more varied, with one-bedroom units at 32.9% and combined one- and two-bedroom properties making up 48.3% of listings. However, larger properties with three or more bedrooms capture 28.8% of the market, catering to group travelers and extended stays.
Smaller units (1-2 bedrooms) achieve the most consistent occupancy rates in urban markets, while larger homes in Antigua can command premium rates from group bookings and family travelers seeking authentic colonial experiences.
What occupancy rates can you expect for Airbnb properties in Guatemala?
| Market | Median Occupancy | Top 25% Properties | Top 10% Properties |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guatemala City | 40% | 63% | 80%+ |
| Antigua | 39% | 63% | 80%+ |
| Urban 1-2 Bedroom | 38-42% | 60-65% | 75-85% |
| Antigua Large Homes | 35-45% | 58-68% | 80%+ |
| Business District Properties | 42-48% | 65-70% | 80-90% |
| Historic Center Properties | 36-44% | 58-65% | 75-85% |
| Peak Season (Dec-Mar) | 55-65% | 75-85% | 90%+ |
How much monthly income can you realistically earn from Guatemala Airbnb rentals?
Monthly Airbnb income varies dramatically between Guatemala's primary short-term rental markets, with Antigua significantly outperforming the capital.
In Guatemala City, median monthly earnings reach $556 for typical properties, while top-quartile performers achieve $963 monthly. The highest-earning 10% of properties generate $1,459 or more per month, typically featuring premium locations in Zona 10 or exceptional amenities.
Antigua commands substantially higher income levels, with median properties earning $932 monthly. Top-performing properties in the 90th percentile generate $3,759+ monthly, often representing large colonial homes or perfectly positioned properties near major attractions.
Property size directly correlates with earning potential. One-bedroom units in Guatemala City typically earn $400-700 monthly, while two-bedroom properties can reach $600-1,200. In Antigua, comparable units earn 40-60% more, with large group-friendly homes potentially earning $2,000-4,000+ during peak seasons.
Successful hosts optimize pricing strategies, maintain high guest ratings, and ensure properties feature modern amenities like fast WiFi and contemporary furnishings to reach upper income brackets.
What seasonal demand patterns affect Guatemala Airbnb earnings throughout the year?
Guatemala's short-term rental market experiences distinct seasonal fluctuations that significantly impact both occupancy rates and nightly pricing.
Guatemala City sees peak demand during December (holiday season), March, and August, with occupancy and rates swinging 20% or more between high and low periods. The weakest months are typically May, February, and September, when business travel slows and tourist activity decreases.
Antigua follows a different pattern aligned with cultural and religious events. Peak periods center around March (Semana Santa/Holy Week), December holidays, and April. The city experiences lower demand during June, July, and September, coinciding with Guatemala's rainy season when tourist activity naturally declines.
During peak seasons, top properties can achieve 80-90% occupancy with nightly rates increasing 25-40% above median levels. Conversely, low seasons may see occupancy drop to 20-30% with corresponding rate reductions to maintain bookings.
Successful operators adjust pricing dynamically and plan maintenance during low-demand periods to maximize annual revenue and minimize vacancy-related losses.
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What are the total operating costs for running an Airbnb in Guatemala?
Operating expenses typically consume 35-50% of gross Airbnb income in Guatemala, requiring careful cost management to maintain profitability.
Cleaning costs range from $15-25 per turnover, varying based on property size and local service rates. For properties with moderate turnover (15-20 bookings monthly), cleaning expenses can total $300-500 monthly.
Utilities including electricity, water, gas, and internet typically cost $50-120 monthly depending on property size and guest usage patterns. Larger properties with pools, air conditioning, and multiple bedrooms can reach the higher end of this range.
Maintenance expenses average $75-175 monthly, covering routine repairs, appliance servicing, and property upkeep. Properties in humid coastal areas or those with heavy usage may require higher maintenance budgets.
Airbnb charges hosts 3% per booking, while guests pay approximately 14% in service fees. Local taxes and accounting requirements add $20-50 monthly, as hosts must file with Guatemalan accountants for tax compliance.
Professional management services, if utilized, typically charge $400-600 monthly or 10-20% of revenue for full-service operations including guest communication, cleaning coordination, and maintenance oversight.
What gross and net rental yields can you achieve with Guatemala Airbnb properties?
Guatemala's short-term rental market offers attractive yields compared to traditional real estate investments, with significant variation between locations and property types.
Gross rental yields in urban Guatemala typically range from 6.6% to 9% annually, with city center properties generally achieving higher returns due to consistent demand from business travelers and tourists.
Antigua's short-term rental market can exceed 12% gross yields for top-performing properties, with average yields falling between 8-10%. The higher yields reflect Antigua's tourism premium and international visitor appeal.
Net yields, calculated after operating expenses, vacancy periods, and taxes, are considerably lower but still competitive. Guatemala City properties typically achieve 3-6% net yields, while high-performing Antigua properties can reach 6-8% or higher.
The yield differential between gross and net returns highlights the importance of efficient operations. Properties with professional management, optimized pricing, and effective cost control can maintain net yields closer to 70-80% of gross yields, while poorly managed properties may see net yields drop to 50% of gross income.
It's something we develop in our Guatemala property pack.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Guatemala versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you're planning to invest there.
How do Airbnb returns compare to traditional long-term rentals in Guatemala?
Short-term rentals can generate 1.5-2.5 times the income of traditional long-term leasing in Guatemala, but require significantly more management effort and operating expenses.
Long-term rental yields in Guatemala typically range from 4-6% net, offering lower but more predictable returns with minimal management requirements. Tenants handle utilities, maintenance responsibilities are reduced, and vacancy periods are less frequent.
Airbnb properties generate higher gross income but face substantial additional costs including frequent cleaning, higher utility bills, increased maintenance from guest turnover, platform fees, and management expenses. The net yield advantage often narrows to 1.2-1.8 times traditional rentals after accounting for these factors.
Risk profiles differ significantly between strategies. Long-term rentals provide steady cash flow with lower vacancy risk, while short-term rentals face seasonal fluctuations, regulatory changes, and market competition that can rapidly impact profitability.
Successful short-term rental operators often transition to professional management or develop multiple properties to justify the additional complexity and achieve economies of scale that maximize the income differential over traditional leasing.
What laws and regulations govern short-term rentals in Guatemala?
Guatemala maintains relatively permissive regulations for short-term rentals as of September 2025, though operators must comply with tax obligations and monitor potential municipal changes.
Most Guatemala markets currently require no specific permits or licenses for Airbnb operations, making entry relatively straightforward compared to heavily regulated markets in other countries.
However, historic areas like Antigua may introduce local requirements due to UNESCO heritage considerations and tourism management concerns. Property owners should verify current municipal regulations before beginning operations.
Tax compliance is mandatory for all short-term rental operators. Hosts must register with Guatemala's tax authority (SAT) and file monthly returns through qualified local accountants. Income tax rates apply to rental profits, and occupancy taxes may be required in certain municipalities.
Legal consultation is recommended before purchasing or beginning operations, as regulations can change and vary between municipalities. Local attorneys specializing in tourism and real estate can provide current guidance on compliance requirements and operational best practices.
What initial investment is required to start an Airbnb business in Guatemala?
Initial investment requirements vary significantly based on location, property type, and desired market positioning within Guatemala's short-term rental market.
Property purchase prices typically range from $110,000 for a basic one-bedroom condominium in Guatemala City to $500,000+ for luxury homes in Antigua's historic center. Mid-range two-bedroom properties in desirable neighborhoods generally cost $150,000-300,000.
Renovation and furnishing costs add $7,000-35,000+ depending on property condition and target market. Budget properties require basic furnishing and essential amenities, while premium listings need high-quality furniture, professional photography, and luxury touches that justify premium rates.
Startup costs including legal fees, accounting setup, initial marketing, cleaning supplies, and permit applications typically total $1,500+ for basic operations. Professional property management setup can add $2,000-5,000 in initial coordination and systems implementation.
Total initial investment commonly ranges from $120,000-150,000 for entry-level properties to $500,000+ for premium Antigua investments, before considering working capital for initial operating expenses and vacancy periods.
How long does it take to break even on a Guatemala Airbnb investment?
Break-even timelines for Guatemala Airbnb investments typically range from 3-10 years, depending on property location, initial investment, and operational efficiency.
High-performing properties in Antigua's premium locations can achieve break-even in 3-6 years when generating consistent occupancy above 60% and maintaining strong nightly rates. These properties benefit from Guatemala's growing tourism sector and Antigua's established international appeal.
Guatemala City properties generally require 5-8 years to break even, reflecting lower average daily rates but potentially more consistent business travel demand. Properties in business districts may achieve faster returns due to year-round corporate bookings.
Entry-level investments with minimal renovation requirements and efficient self-management can accelerate break-even timelines by reducing initial costs and ongoing expenses. Conversely, luxury properties requiring extensive renovation may need 8-10 years despite higher revenue potential.
Market factors including Guatemala's tourism growth, currency stability, and regulatory environment will influence actual returns. Conservative investors should plan for 7-10 year break-even periods to account for market volatility and unexpected costs.
It's something we develop in our Guatemala property pack.
Conclusion
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.
Guatemala's Airbnb market presents compelling opportunities for investors willing to navigate operational complexities and seasonal variations.
Success requires strategic location selection, professional management, and realistic expectations about break-even timelines ranging from 3-10 years depending on market positioning and operational efficiency.