Airbnb Market Analytics, Statistics and Data in San Ignacio & Santa Elena, Cayo District, Belize
Last updated: 2025-01-31
Looking to make more money with hosting or rental arbitraging Airbnbs, short-term rentals, vacation rentals in San Ignacio & Santa Elena? AirROI have just the data insights! Over the last twelve months from February 2024 to January 2025, we've uncovered key trends and opportunities that successful hosts are leveraging in San Ignacio & Santa Elena:
How much do Airbnb hosts make on average per month in San Ignacio & Santa Elena?
The short-term rental market in San Ignacio & Santa Elena shows distinct revenue patterns across different property tiers. Our analysis reveals that successful properties combine strategic pricing with quality management to maximize earnings potential. Market data demonstrates clear revenue differentiation among properties:
- Typical properties (median) earn $1,101 per month
- Strong performing properties (top 25%) make $1,988 or more
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) achieve $3,830+ monthly
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) typically earn around $539
Revenue Variations by Month
Occupancy Rates Throughout the Year in San Ignacio & Santa Elena
The market in San Ignacio & Santa Elena shows distinct occupancy patterns influenced by seasonal trends and local dynamics. Properties that maintain high guest satisfaction scores and implement strategic pricing consistently achieve stronger occupancy rates. Current market data shows:
- Typical properties (median) maintain 34% occupancy rates
- Strong performing properties (top 25%) achieve 62% or higher
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) reach 82%+occupancy
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) average around 18%
Occupancy Variations by Month
Average Daily Rates Seasonal Trends in San Ignacio & Santa Elena
Daily rates in San Ignacio & Santa Elena vary based on seasonality, property quality, and market dynamics. Properties that effectively balance competitive pricing with strong amenities typically command higher rates. Market analysis shows the following rate structure:
- Typical properties (median) generate $90 per night
- Strong performing properties (top 25%) secure $166 or more
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) pull in $334+ per night
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) earn around $57
Daily Rate Variations by Month
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Seasonality patterns in San Ignacio & Santa Elena
Peak Season (March, February, December)
- Revenue peaks at $2058.23 per month
- Occupancy rates reach 50.40%
- Daily rates average $190.11
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $1712.88 per month
- Occupancy maintains 40.25%
- Daily rates hold at $167.76
Low Season (July, September, August)
- Revenue drops to $1077.38 per month
- Occupancy decreases to 30.85%
- Daily rates adjust to $131.91
Is it still profitable to do Airbnb in San Ignacio & Santa Elena in 2025?
Yes! San Ignacio & Santa Elena demonstrates moderate seasonality with good off-peak opportunities, featuring a growing occupancy rate of 40% and solid monthly revenue averaging $1713 and The market's 157 active listings indicate growing demand with plenty of opportunity for new properties. There's also room for profit through rental arbitrage strategies, if you can identify competitively priced properties. To maximize your return on investment, consider employing the following strategies:
Peak Season Strategy
- Implement premium seasonal pricing strategies
- Set longer minimum stay requirements during high-demand periods
- Enforce stricter cancellation policies
Shoulder Season Strategy
- Maintain competitive market-based pricing
- Offer moderate-length stay incentives
- Target a mix of leisure and business travelers with flexible booking terms
- Focus on weekend getaway packages and mid-week business traveler promotions
Low Season Strategy
- Adjust pricing to remain competitive in the market
- Target different guest segments (families on vacation, festival goers, adventure tourists, international visitors)
- Create targeted promotional campaigns to drive occupancy
Top Places to Start Airbnb in San Ignacio & Santa Elena
| Area | Why Choose This Area | Key Attractions |
|---|---|---|
| San Ignacio Town | The vibrant hub of Cayo District, known for its rich Mayan culture and accessibility to nearby natural attractions. Ideal for travelers looking to explore ancient ruins and lush rainforests. | Cahal Pech Mayan Ruins, Xunantunich, Green Iguana Conservation Project, Mayan Sky Eco-Park, Horseback Riding Tours |
| Santa Elena | Just across the river from San Ignacio, Santa Elena offers a more laid-back vibe with easy access to the amenities and tours in San Ignacio, making it popular for budget travelers. | El Pilar Mayan Ruins, Cayo Art Gallery, Macal River, Local markets and eateries, Nature trails |
| Bullet Tree Falls | A serene village known for its natural beauty, situated along the Macal River. It attracts nature lovers and adventurers looking for a peaceful retreat. | Macal River, Waterfalls and swimming spots, Canoeing and kayaking, Nature trails, Bird watching |
| Belmopan | The capital city of Belize, offering a unique blend of urban living and access to nature. Great for travelers interested in exploring government and cultural sites. | National Agriculture and Trade Show, Belize Zoo, St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park, Rainforest activities, Local dining experiences |
| Mountain Pine Ridge | A mountainous area known for its pine forests and various outdoor activities. Perfect for eco-tourism and adventure seekers. | Big Rock Falls, Rio Frio Cave, Caracol Mayan Ruins, Hiking and nature trails, Bird watching |
| Benque Viejo del Carmen | A charming town near the Guatemalan border, known for its historical architecture and cultural experiences. Attracts tourists interested in cross-border excursions. | Mayan Ruins of El Cayo, San Ignacio Market, Spanish Lookout villages, Cultural festivals, Local cuisine |
| The Mopan River | Perfect for those interested in water sports and relaxation by the river. A popular spot for tubing and river-related activities. | Tubing on the river, Kayaking, Fishing, Riverside camping, Scenic views |
| Chiquibil Forest Reserve | A vast protected area offering unparalleled access to pristine nature. Ideal for eco-conscious travelers and those looking to escape the tourist trail. | Bird watching, Hiking trails, Wildlife viewing, Camping, Cave exploration |
Do you need a license for Airbnb in San Ignacio & Santa Elena?
We recommend checking directly with San Ignacio & Santa Elena's local government regarding short-term rental licensing requirements. Current market data shows limited licensing information (0% of listings), making it essential to verify current regulations before starting your Airbnb business.
Top Performing Airbnb Properties in San Ignacio & Santa Elena
Alma Del Rio entire compound on the river
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Suzie's Hilltop Estate
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Casa Suzie
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Rio Mantra-1 OR 2 Bedroom with a pool by the river
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
Superb modern house with pool for bird lovers
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Superior Jungle Tree House / AC
Entire Place • 1 bedroom
Top Performing Professional Hosts in San Ignacio & Santa Elena
| Host Name | Properties | Grossing Revenue | Stay Reviews | Avg Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alma | 8 | $386,874 | 520 | 4.97/5.0 |
| Jameli | 4 | $242,980 | 425 | 4.97/5.0 |
| Vacasa Belize | 8 | $105,481 | 237 | 3.47/5.0 |
| Vanilla Hills | 5 | $96,482 | 116 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Michael | 7 | $79,177 | 417 | 4.45/5.0 |
| Juliet | 4 | $70,435 | 219 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Peter | 4 | $63,762 | 1392 | 4.94/5.0 |
| Maddiely | 2 | $61,941 | 38 | 4.96/5.0 |
| San Ignacio | 5 | $60,715 | 5 | 1.00/5.0 |
| Carlos | 4 | $59,941 | 142 | 4.90/5.0 |
Additional analytics on vacation rental, real estate, short term rental data in San Ignacio & Santa Elena
AirROI also have other key metrics and comprehensive data for your vacation rental, real estate needs. Go explore the advanced metrics that can help you make informed decisions:
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Key Insights
- Market dominated by entire home listings (71.3%), with house and apartment & condo properties comprising 61.2% of inventory
- Strong specialty sector (38.2%) combining boutique hotels, unique stays, and outdoor accommodations indicates market maturity and premium opportunities
- Untapped potential in others segments (0.6% combined)
Room Capacity Distribution
Analysis of 157 properties in San Ignacio & Santa Elena shows that 1 bedroom properties are most prevalent, making up 44.6% of the market. The market tends to favor smaller properties, with 1 bedroom and 2 bedrooms together representing 71.3% of all listings.
Key Insights
- Most common: 1 bedroom (44.6%)
- Least common: 4 bedrooms (1.9%)
- Market concentration: 71.3% in top 2 sizes
- Market skew: Favors smaller properties
Guest Capacity Distribution
Analysis of 157 properties in San Ignacio & Santa Elena reveals that 2 guests properties dominate the market, representing 35.7% of all listings. The average property accommodates 3.4 guests, with a clear trend towards larger guest capacities. Properties accommodating 2 guests and 4 guests make up 60.5% of the market.
Key Insights
- Most common capacity: 2 guests (35.7% of market)
- Least common capacity: 7 guests (1.9% of market)
- Average guest capacity: 3.4 guests per property
- Market concentration: 60.5% in top 2 capacity sizes
- Market segmentation: Predominantly larger guest capacities
Booking and Availability Patterns
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Among 157 properties in San Ignacio & Santa Elena, the most common availability pattern is 271-366 days (51.6% of properties). For actual bookings, properties most frequently secure bookings for 31-90 days (32.5% of properties).
Key Insights
- Most common availability window: 271-366 days (51.6%)
- Most common booking duration: 31-90 days (32.5%)
- Properties with high availability (180+ days): 70.7%
- Properties with long-term bookings (180+ days): 29.9%
Minimum Stay Distributions
1 Night
66 listings
45.2% of total
2 Nights
71 listings
48.6% of total
3 Nights
7 listings
4.8% of total
30+ Nights
2 listings
1.4% of total
Key Insights
- Short stays (1-2 nights) dominate the market at 93.8%
- Mid-length stays (4-6 nights) represent 0% of listings
- Monthly+ stays (1.4%) suggest a stable extended-stay market
- High market flexibility with 98.6% accepting 3 nights or less
Recommendations
- Set minimum stays between 2-3 nights to align with market standards
- Adjust minimum stays seasonally based on demand patterns
- Implement different minimum stays for weekends vs. weekdays
Cancellation Policy Distribution
Super Strict 30 Days
6 listings
4.3% of total
Flexible
47 listings
33.3% of total
Moderate
42 listings
29.8% of total
Firm
22 listings
15.6% of total
Strict
24 listings
17% of total
Key Insights
- Flexible is the preferred policy at 33.3% of listings
- Guest-friendly policies (Flexible & Moderate) dominate at 63.1% of the market
- Strong market consensus around Flexible policies
- Super Strict 30 Days policies are least common at 4.3% of listings
Recommendations
- Consider starting with a Flexible policy to align with market preferences
- Strong market preference for Flexible policies suggests this should be your baseline
- Consider generous cancellation terms as a competitive advantage
Booking Lead Time Trends
Key Insights
- Peak booking lead times occur in Oct, Apr, Nov, averaging 84 days
- Shortest booking windows are in Dec, Feb, Sep, averaging 64 days
- Fall shows the longest average booking window at 77 days, while Winter has the shortest at 66 days
Recommendations
- Implement dynamic pricing strategies for Fall bookings at least 77 days in advance
- Consider early bird discounts during Winter to encourage longer lead times
- Focus on last-minute booking promotions during Dec-Sep when lead times are shortest
Popular Airbnb Amenities in San Ignacio & Santa Elena
Every property in San Ignacio & Santa Elena comes standard with Wifi. Below shows the distribution of other amenities:
Traveler Demographics
Key Insights
- Domestic travelers make up 3.9% of total guests, indicating a mostly international-driven market.
- Primary international markets: Canada (13%) and Belize (4.2%)
- English is the top language at 68.2%, followed by Spanish (19.1%)
- Notable demographic segment in <=1950s (Pre-1950s (Silent Gen)) at 4.8%
Recommendations
- Target marketing campaigns for New York and Denver markets
- Develop localized content for Canada and Belize
- Prioritize English and Spanish language support
- Tailor experiences for Pre-1950s (Silent Gen) while maintaining broad age appeal
- Implement seasonal promotions aligned with key market travel patterns
Nearby Markets
Explore short-term rental performance in markets surrounding San Ignacio & Santa Elena. These nearby markets offer diverse opportunities for property investors and hosts:
| Market | Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caribbean Way | 18 | $3,094 | $279.94 | 42% |
| Maya Beach | 72 | $3,081 | $335.81 | 34% |
| Hopkins Village | 49 | $3,031 | $307.95 | 40% |
| Placencia | 254 | $2,397 | $230.70 | 38% |
| Caye Caulker Village | 354 | $1,926 | $145.74 | 46% |
| Buenavista | 38 | $1,709 | $246.81 | 27% |
| Seine Bight | 27 | $1,695 | $411.38 | 34% |
| San Ignacio | 13 | $1,600 | $196.96 | 24% |
| Hopkins | 95 | $1,423 | $160.65 | 38% |
| Calderitas | 17 | $1,382 | $186.46 | 31% |
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