How profitable are Airbnb rentals in Guatemala City? (2026)

If you're thinking about running an Airbnb in Guatemala City, you're probably wondering whether the numbers actually work and what the legal situation looks like.

This article breaks down nightly rates, occupancy, licensing requirements, and the best neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Guatemala City in 2026.

We constantly update this blog post to reflect the latest data and regulations.

And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Guatemala City.

Who is the author of this content?

THE LATINVESTOR

A team specialized in real estate investing in LATAM countries

We are a team of financial experts, legal professionals, developers, and local real estate specialists dedicated to helping people like you avoid mistakes when investing in real estate in a foreign place, particularly in Guatemala City. If you’d like to learn more about us, you can check our presentation page.

Can I legally run an Airbnb in Guatemala City in 2026?

Is short-term renting allowed in Guatemala City in 2026?

As of the first half of 2026, short-term renting through Airbnb is generally allowed in Guatemala City, though it falls under municipal, tourism, and tax regulations rather than one single "Airbnb law."

The main legal framework comes from three directions: the Municipal Code (Codigo Municipal) governs local permits, INGUAT (national tourism authority) regulates lodging establishments, and SAT (tax authority) handles tax obligations.

The key thing to understand is that if your operation looks like a lodging business (multiple units, year-round hosting, professional service), you will likely need to register with INGUAT and comply with tourism regulations.

Operating without proper tax registration or ignoring municipal requirements could result in fines, back taxes, or being required to cease operations.

For a more general view, you can read our article detailing what exactly foreigners can own and buy in Guatemala.

If you are an American, you might want to read our blog article detailing the property rights of US citizens in Guatemala.

Are there minimum-stay rules and maximum nights-per-year caps for Airbnbs in Guatemala City as of 2026?

As of the first half of 2026, Guatemala City does not have a citywide maximum nights-per-year cap or government-mandated minimum stay requirement for Airbnb hosts.

These rules do not vary by property type or residency status because there is no official cap in place for any property category.

That said, many hosts voluntarily set longer minimum stays (7 to 30 nights) because the market has strong demand for mid-term rentals from business travelers and medical visitors.

Do I have to live there, or can I Airbnb a secondary home in Guatemala City right now?

Guatemala City does not have a formal residency requirement, so secondary homes and investment properties are generally fair game for Airbnb hosting.

Many of Guatemala City's most successful listings are investor-owned apartments in Zone 10 that the owners never live in.

There are no special permits required for secondary homes, but the real gatekeeper is often your building's HOA or condominium rules, which may restrict short-term rentals regardless of city regulations.

The main practical difference is operational: non-resident owners typically need self-check-in systems and either local help or a property manager.

Can I run multiple Airbnbs under one name in Guatemala City right now?

Yes, operating multiple Airbnb listings under one name is feasible, and the market already has property managers running portfolios of ten or more units.

There is no publicly stated maximum number of properties one person or company can list for short-term rental in Guatemala City.

However, multiple units make you look more like a business, which means you should expect formal tax registration with SAT, proper invoicing, and potentially INGUAT tourism registration.

Do I need a short-term rental license or a business registration to host in Guatemala City as of 2026?

As of the first half of 2026, Guatemala City does not have a specific "Airbnb license," but hosts should be aware of two layers: tax registration with SAT and potential INGUAT registration if your operation looks like a lodging business.

For occasional hosts with one unit, compliance is relatively simple: ensure your tax situation is in order and issue proper invoices if required.

Year-round or multi-unit operators may need to register with INGUAT as a lodging establishment, submitting documentation including commercial registry, identification, and proof of property rights.

Are there neighborhood bans or restricted zones for Airbnb in Guatemala City as of 2026?

As of the first half of 2026, there is no official citywide map of "Airbnb banned zones" in Guatemala City.

The real restrictions come building by building: many condominiums in Zona 10, Zona 14, Zona 15, and Zona 16 (Cayala) have HOA rules that may limit or prohibit short-term rentals.

The practical advice is to verify your specific building's internal regulations before purchasing or listing a property.

We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Guatemala compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.

How much can an Airbnb earn in Guatemala City in 2026?

What's the average and median nightly price on Airbnb in Guatemala City in 2026?

As of the first half of 2026, the average nightly price (ADR) for an Airbnb in Guatemala City is approximately $60 USD (Q460 or €55), while the median sits at roughly $55 USD (Q425 or €50).

The typical nightly price range covering about 80% of listings falls between $35 and $95 USD (Q270 to Q730, or €32 to €87).

The single biggest pricing factor is location, specifically whether you are in a prime zone like Zona 10, Zona 14, or Zona 15 where guests pay more for security and convenience.

By the way, you will find much more detailed profitability rent ranges in our property pack covering the real estate market in Guatemala City.

How much do nightly prices vary by neighborhood in Guatemala City in 2026?

As of the first half of 2026, nightly prices vary by $50 to $60 USD (Q385 to Q460, or €46 to €55) between premium neighborhoods like Zona 10 or Zona 14 and budget areas like Zona 1 or Zona 13.

The three highest-priced neighborhoods are Zona 10 (Zona Viva), Zona 14, and Zona 16 (Cayala), where listings typically command $65 to $95 USD per night (Q500 to Q730, or €60 to €87).

The three lowest-priced neighborhoods are Zona 1 (Historic Center), Zona 4 (4 Grados Norte), and parts of Zona 13 near the airport, with rates of $40 to $70 USD (Q310 to Q540, or €37 to €64), though these areas still attract guests seeking budget options or airport access.

What's the typical occupancy rate in Guatemala City in 2026?

As of the first half of 2026, the typical occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Guatemala City is approximately 42%, though well-optimized listings in prime zones reach 50% to 58%.

The realistic occupancy range covering most listings falls between 35% and 55%, with significant variation based on location, pricing, and listing quality.

Guatemala City's occupancy is comparable to other Central American urban markets, reflecting steady year-round demand without dramatic seasonal swings.

The biggest factor for above-average occupancy is operational excellence: fast response times, professional photos, dynamic pricing, and clear check-in instructions matter enormously to business travelers.

What's the average monthly revenue per listing in Guatemala City in 2026?

As of the first half of 2026, average monthly revenue per Airbnb listing in Guatemala City is approximately $650 to $850 USD (Q5,000 to Q6,550, or €600 to €780), while the median is closer to $535 USD (Q4,120, or €490).

The realistic monthly revenue range covering roughly 80% of listings spans $350 to $1,100 USD (Q2,700 to Q8,500, or €320 to €1,010).

Top-performing listings can earn $1,200 to $1,800 USD per month (Q9,250 to Q13,900, or €1,100 to €1,650). Quick math: $80 ADR at 55% occupancy equals roughly $1,320 monthly before expenses.

Finally, note that we give here all the information you need to buy and rent out a property in Guatemala City.

What's the typical low-season vs high-season monthly revenue in Guatemala City in 2026?

As of the first half of 2026, typical listings earn $900 to $1,200 USD (Q6,950 to Q9,250, or €825 to €1,100) during high season, compared to $450 to $650 USD (Q3,500 to Q5,000, or €415 to €600) during low season.

High season runs November through February (December and early January being peak), while low season corresponds to the rainy months of May through September, with May typically being the weakest.

What's a realistic Airbnb monthly expense range in Guatemala City in 2026?

As of the first half of 2026, realistic monthly operating expenses for an Airbnb in Guatemala City range from $260 to $620 USD (Q2,000 to Q4,800, or €240 to €570), excluding mortgage payments.

The largest expense category is typically cleaning/turnover costs plus HOA fees, which together can run $100 to $300 USD (Q770 to Q2,310, or €92 to €275).

Hosts should expect to spend 35% to 50% of gross revenue on operating expenses if self-managing, or 50% to 70% with full-service property management.

If you want to go into more details, we also have a blog article detailing all the property taxes and fees in Guatemala City.

What's realistic monthly net profit and profit per available night for Airbnb in Guatemala City in 2026?

As of the first half of 2026, realistic monthly net profit for a self-managed Airbnb in Guatemala City ranges from $180 to $420 USD (Q1,400 to Q3,250, or €165 to €385), translating to $6 to $14 per available night (Q46 to Q108, or €5.50 to €13).

The net profit range covering most listings spans from $80 USD (underperforming listings) to $550 USD for well-optimized properties (Q620 to Q4,250, or €74 to €505).

Hosts typically achieve net profit margins of 20% to 35% of gross revenue, with self-managers on the higher end.

The break-even occupancy rate is approximately 25% to 30%, meaning you need about 8 to 9 booked nights monthly just to cover operating costs.

In our property pack covering the real estate market in Guatemala City, we explain the best strategies to improve your cashflows.

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 competitive is Airbnb in Guatemala City as of 2026?

How many active Airbnb listings are in Guatemala City as of 2026?

As of the first half of 2026, Guatemala City has approximately 2,500 to 2,700 active Airbnb listings, making it a moderately competitive market.

This number has grown steadily post-pandemic, with supply increasing 8% to 12% annually driven by investor interest in prime zones like Zona 10 and Zona 14.

Which neighborhoods are most saturated in Guatemala City as of 2026?

As of the first half of 2026, the most saturated neighborhoods are Zona 10 (Zona Viva), Zona 14, Zona 15, and Zona 16 (Cayala), where competition is strongest.

These areas became saturated because they combine security, walkability to restaurants and business districts, proximity to embassies and offices, and easy mall access.

Relatively undersaturated neighborhoods include Zona 4 (4 Grados Norte creative district), parts of Zona 13 near the airport, and Zona 1 (Historic Center), though these require more targeted positioning.

What local events spike demand in Guatemala City in 2026?

As of the first half of 2026, main events spiking Airbnb demand include Semana Santa processions in Zona 1, Feria de Jocotenango in August, the 21K Ciudad de Guatemala marathon in late August, and conventions at Tikal Futura.

During peak events, hosts in affected corridors see bookings increase 30% to 60%, with nightly rates jumping 20% to 40% above baseline.

Smart hosts should adjust pricing 4 to 6 weeks before major events, with Semana Santa and December holidays requiring even earlier planning.

What occupancy differences exist between top and average hosts in Guatemala City in 2026?

As of the first half of 2026, top-performing hosts achieve occupancy rates of 52% to 58%, which is 10 to 16 percentage points higher than the average host's 42%.

That gap translates to roughly $180 to $290 more revenue per month at $60 ADR, often the difference between marginal and solid profitability.

New hosts typically take 4 to 8 months to reach top-performer levels, assuming they invest in professional photography, dynamic pricing, fast response times, and accumulate positive reviews.

We give more details about the different Airbnb strategies to adopt in our property pack covering the real estate market in Guatemala City.

What amenities do nearly all competitors offer in Guatemala City right now?

The "table stakes" amenities that nearly all competitive listings offer include fast Wi-Fi, a fully equipped kitchen, secure parking, and a TV with workspace setup.

What makes Guatemala City unique is that parking and security features (doorman, gated entry) often matter more than pools or gyms, because guests prioritize feeling safe and having clear arrival experiences.

Hosts wanting to stand out should focus on backup power solutions, ultra-detailed check-in instructions, or workspace setups appealing to remote workers.

Which price points are most crowded, and where's the "white space" for new hosts in Guatemala City right now?

The nightly price range with highest listing concentration sits between $45 and $75 USD (Q350 to Q580, or €41 to €69), where most one and two-bedroom apartments compete.

The "white space" exists at the premium end, specifically $80 to $110 USD per night (Q620 to Q850, or €74 to €101), where demand from executives and longer-stay travelers outpaces quality supply.

To compete in the underserved premium segment, focus on exceptional workspace lighting, genuinely fast internet, pristine cleanliness, and seamless self-check-in.

What property works best for Airbnb demand in Guatemala City right now?

What bedroom count gets the most bookings in Guatemala City as of 2026?

As of the first half of 2026, one-bedroom apartments get the most Airbnb bookings in Guatemala City, followed by two-bedroom units.

The estimated booking breakdown is roughly 45% to 50% for one-bedrooms, 30% to 35% for two-bedrooms, 10% to 15% for studios, and 5% to 10% for three-bedrooms or larger.

One-bedrooms dominate because demand skews heavily toward solo business travelers, medical visitors, and couples rather than large family groups.

What property type performs best in Guatemala City in 2026?

As of the first half of 2026, apartments and condos in prime zones like Zona 10, Zona 14, and Zona 15 are the best-performing property type, offering the strongest mix of demand, operational simplicity, and risk-adjusted returns.

Occupancy rates show apartments achieving 42% to 50%, townhouses 38% to 48%, and single-family houses varying widely from 30% to 55% depending on location and security.

Apartments outperform because they offer the security features guests want, require less maintenance, and are concentrated where business travelers want to stay.

What location traits boost bookings in Guatemala City right now?

Location traits that most strongly boost bookings are proximity to business/dining corridors (especially Zona Viva), visible security features like gated entry, included parking, and accessibility to convention venues like Tikal Futura.

Properties near La Aurora International Airport in Zona 13 also benefit from steady transit-traveler demand.

The counterintuitive insight is that "easy, safe arrival experience" often matters more than walkability, so listings with clear access instructions and secure parking often outperform those in theoretically better locations.

What sources have we used to write this blog article?

Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Guatemala City, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can ... and we don't throw out numbers at random.

We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.

Source	Why It's Authoritative	How We Used It
AirDNA Guatemala	AirDNA is a widely used STR data provider with consistent market-metrics frameworks across countries.	We used it to anchor baseline ADR, occupancy, listing counts, and bedroom mix. We adjusted to Guatemala City-specific figures using city-level sources.
AirROI Guatemala City	AirROI is a dedicated STR analytics provider publishing city-level KPI snapshots with update dates.	We used it to pin Guatemala City's ADR, occupancy, and active listings. We cross-checked against AirDNA national baselines.
Airbnb Zone 10 Inventory	Airbnb's pages are first-party sources for listing counts and amenity prevalence.	We used it to verify Zone 10's depth as an STR submarket and sanity-check common amenities.
INGUAT Registration Portal	INGUAT is Guatemala's official tourism authority for lodging requirements.	We used it to explain when hosts need lodging establishment registration and what documentation INGUAT expects.
INGUAT Lodging Regulation PDF	Official INGUAT document reflecting the regulatory framework for lodging operations.	We used it to ground hotel-style obligations covering guest records and standards.
Codigo Municipal (Decreto 12-2002)	Primary legal text defining municipal authority and licensing powers in Guatemala.	We used it to support that municipalities can regulate commercial activity via permits.
Guatemala VAT Law (Decreto 27-92)	Consolidated VAT law text published as a formal legal document.	We used it to frame VAT obligations depending on tax regime and invoicing requirements.
SAT Tax Authority Portal	SAT is the official tax administrator and authoritative source on tax compliance.	We used it as the anchor for tax registration and declaration requirements.
Banco de Guatemala Exchange Rates	Central bank's official reference exchange rate for GTQ/USD conversions.	We used it to convert all expenses and revenue between USD and GTQ consistently.
IMF Guatemala 2025 Article IV Report	Top-tier international institution with standardized macro reporting.	We used it for macro context on economic stability affecting travel demand.
World Bank Tourism Recovery Note	World Bank compiles cross-country tourism indicators with transparent sourcing.	We used it to support post-pandemic demand normalization narrative.
US Trade Administration Guatemala Airport	US government publication citing Guatemala's civil aviation passenger figures.	We used it to ground Guatemala City's steady year-round demand through La Aurora traffic.
IUSI Property Tax Law (Decreto 15-98)	Official government-hosted copy of Guatemala's property tax law.	We used it to include property tax in expense ranges as a required line item.
CNEE Tarifa Social Law	CNEE is the national electricity regulator with core tariff framework.	We used it to justify why electricity costs are regulated and periodically adjusted.
CNEE 2025 Tariff Resolution	Regulator resolution for tariff-setting and methodology updates.	We used it to support that tariffs are revised and hosts should budget with a buffer.
EMPAGUA Water Tariffs	EMPAGUA is the municipal water utility publishing official tariff notices.	We used it to justify including water as a meaningful operating expense.
MuniGuate 21K Marathon	Official municipal event website for predictable annual demand spikes.	We used it to support that annual events lift weekend occupancy in specific corridors.
Tikal Futura Events Calendar	First-party calendar for one of Guatemala City's biggest convention complexes.	We used it to explain business and event-driven demand supporting weekday bookings.

We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Guatemala. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.