Cuenca Airbnb Market Analysis 2025: Short Term Rental Data & Vacation Rental Statistics in Azuay, Ecuador

Source: AirROI
Last updated: 2025-03-31

Is Airbnb profitable in Cuenca in 2025? Explore comprehensive Airbnb analytics for Cuenca, Azuay, Ecuador to uncover income potential. This 2025 STR market report for Cuenca, based on AirROI data from April 2024 to March 2025, reveals key trends in the bustling market of 1,437 active listings.

Whether you're considering an Airbnb investment in Cuenca, optimizing your existing vacation rental, or exploring rental arbitrage opportunities, understanding the Cuenca Airbnb data is crucial. Leveraging the low regulation environment is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Let's dive into the specifics.

Key Cuenca Airbnb Performance Metrics Overview

Avg. Daily Rate (ADR)(?)
$49
The average rental revenue earned for an occupied room per day in Cuenca.
Occupancy Rate(?)
30.3%
Moderate demand with booking opportunities.
Median Annual Revenue(?)
$4,950
Typical annual income for an Airbnb listing in Cuenca. Factors like property type, size, and location influence actual earnings.
Revenue Growth YoY(?)
10.2%
Strong growth (10.2%) vs. last year.
Peak Revenue Month(?)
April
The month with the highest average earnings, indicating peak season in Cuenca.
Lowest Revenue Month(?)
October
The month with the lowest average earnings, indicating the low season in Cuenca.
STR Regulation Level(?)
Low
Fewer regulations, offering more operational flexibility.
Active Airbnb Listings(?)
1,437
Total number of active short-term rentals listed.

Monthly Airbnb Revenue Variations & Income Potential in Cuenca (2025)

Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Cuenca is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Seasonality significantly impacts earnings. Our analysis, based on data from the past 12 months, shows that the peak revenue month for STRs in Cuenca is typically April, while October often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Cuenca across different performance tiers:

  • Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $1,281+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $793 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
  • Typical properties (Median) generate around $438 per month, representing the average market performance.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $185, often with potential for optimization.

Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Cuenca

Cuenca Airbnb Occupancy Rate Trends (2025)

Maximize your bookings by understanding the Cuenca STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Julysees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while October experiences the lowest (low season). Effective strategies, like adjusting minimum stays or offering promotions, can boost occupancy during slower periods. Here's how different property tiers perform in Cuenca:

  • Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 71%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 48% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
  • Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 26%.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 13% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.

Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Cuenca

Average Daily Rate (ADR) Airbnb Trends in Cuenca (2025)

Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Cuenca involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Cuenca typically peaks in October and dips lowest during February. Leveraging Airbnb dynamic pricing tools or strategies based on this seasonality can significantly boost revenue. Here's a look at the typical nightly rates achieved:

  • Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) command rates of $94+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $60 or more.
  • Typical properties (Median) charge around $39 per night.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $27 per night.

Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Cuenca

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Airbnb Seasonality Analysis & Trends in Cuenca (2025)

Peak Season (April, May, June)
  • Revenue averages $968 per month
  • Occupancy rates average 34.9%
  • Daily rates average $56
Shoulder Season
  • Revenue averages $537 per month
  • Occupancy maintains around 33.8%
  • Daily rates hold near $55
Low Season (February, October, November)
  • Revenue drops to average $424 per month
  • Occupancy decreases to average 28.3%
  • Daily rates adjust to average $55

Seasonality Insights for Cuenca

  • The Airbnb seasonality in Cuenca shows highly seasonal trends requiring careful strategy. While the sections above show seasonal averages, it's also insightful to look at the extremes:
  • During the high season, the absolute peak month showcases Cuenca's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues capable of climbing to $996, occupancy reaching a high of 40.1%, and ADRs peaking at $57.
  • Conversely, the slowest single month of the year, typically falling within the low season, marks the market's lowest point. In this month, revenue might dip to $383, occupancy could drop to 25.4%, and ADRs may adjust down to $54.
  • Understanding both the seasonal averages and these monthly peaks and troughs in revenue, occupancy, and ADR is crucial for maximizing your Airbnb profit potential in Cuenca.

Seasonal Strategies for Maximizing Profit

  • Peak Season: Maximize revenue through premium pricing and potentially longer minimum stays. Ensure high availability.
  • Low Season: Offer competitive pricing, special promotions (e.g., extended stay discounts), and flexible cancellation policies. Target off-season travelers like remote workers or budget-conscious guests.
  • Shoulder Seasons: Implement dynamic pricing that balances peak and low rates. Target weekend travelers or specific events. Offer slightly more flexible terms than peak season.
  • Regularly analyze your own performance against these Cuenca seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.

Best Areas for Airbnb Investment in Cuenca (2025)

Exploring the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Cuenca? This section highlights key areas, outlining why they are attractive for hosts and guests, along with notable local attractions. Consider these locations based on your target guest profile and investment strategy.

Neighborhood / AreaWhy Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal)Key Attractions & Landmarks
Centro Histórico
Cultural heart of Cuenca, featuring colonial architecture, museums, and vibrant markets. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site, attracting tourists interested in Ecuador's rich history and culture.
New Cathedral of Cuenca, Cajón del Río Yanuncay, Museum of Modern Art, Plaza de las Flores, Pumapungo Park, El Barranco
El Cajas National Park
A stunning natural area just outside Cuenca, known for its beautiful landscapes, lagoons, and hiking trails. Popular among nature lovers and outdoor adventurers.
Lagoons of Cajas, Hiking trails, Bird watching, Camping sites, Stunning views of Andes
Parque Calderón
A lively park surrounded by cafes and restaurants, popular with locals and tourists. It's a great place for relaxation and experiencing daily life in Cuenca.
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Local craft shops, Street performances, Food vendors, Historic buildings
Baños
Known for its thermal baths and adventure activities, Baños attracts tourists looking for relaxation and thrill-seeking opportunities. It’s a popular excursion from Cuenca.
Thermal baths, Canyon swing, Waterfall tours, Hiking and biking trails, Adventure sports
Turi
A charming hilltop neighborhood offering panoramic views of Cuenca. It is a popular spot for visitors looking for a peaceful retreat close to the city.
Mirador de Turi, Local eateries, Artisan markets, Bird watching, Cultural experiences
Las Penas
A picturesque neighborhood known for its colorful houses and steep stairs, Las Penas is popular with photographers and those wanting to capture the essence of Cuenca.
Cerro de El Castillo, Staircases, Street art, Riverside parks, Cafes with views
Chaguarpamba
An emerging neighborhood with affordable housing options. It's attracting longer-term visitors and locals looking for a quieter lifestyle, yet close to urban amenities.
Local markets, Community events, Nature parks, Cultural experiences
Gualaceo
Known for its artisanal and cultural heritage, Gualaceo is perfect for those interested in local crafts and traditional Ecuadorian culture, bringing in visitors eager to explore beyond Cuenca.
Gualaceo Market, Traditional crafts, Scenic landscapes, Cultural festivals, Historic sites

Understanding Airbnb License Requirements & STR Laws in Cuenca (2025)

While Cuenca, Azuay, Ecuador currently shows low STR regulations, specific Airbnb license requirements might still exist or change. Always verify the latest short term rental regulations and Airbnb license requirements directly with local government authorities for Cuenca to ensure full compliance before hosting.

(Source: AirROI data, 2025, based on 0% licensed listings)

Top Performing Airbnb Properties in Cuenca (2025)

Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Cuencabased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.

[Colorful Apartment] 4min City center+Free parking

[Colorful Apartment] 4min City center+Free parking

Entire Place • 2 bedrooms

$84,160
Revenue
65.8%
Occupancy
$305.37
Daily Rate
Luxury Department with a view of the River

Luxury Department with a view of the River

Entire Place • 4 bedrooms

$58,709
Revenue
70.0%
Occupancy
$200.18
Daily Rate
[Cathedral View] 150m2 3br 2ba + Netflix

[Cathedral View] 150m2 3br 2ba + Netflix

Entire Place • 3 bedrooms

$56,139
Revenue
59.2%
Occupancy
$214.81
Daily Rate
[Contemporary Apartment] Town center + Netflix

[Contemporary Apartment] Town center + Netflix

Entire Place • 2 bedrooms

$52,910
Revenue
63.4%
Occupancy
$305.26
Daily Rate
[Central Suite] City Center + Netflix

[Central Suite] City Center + Netflix

Entire Place • 1 bedroom

$52,280
Revenue
56.9%
Occupancy
$257.88
Daily Rate
[Fashion & Design] Town center + Netflix

[Fashion & Design] Town center + Netflix

Entire Place • 2 bedrooms

$45,222
Revenue
71.0%
Occupancy
$209.57
Daily Rate

Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.

Top Performing Airbnb Hosts in Cuenca (2025)

Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Cuenca based on the number of properties managed and estimated total revenue over the past year. Analyze their scale and performance metrics.

Host NamePropertiesGrossing RevenueStay ReviewsAvg Rating
Valeria Lisbeth11$445,9568824.84/5.0
Pedrito23$166,42754434.78/5.0
David Santiago21$104,14410854.59/5.0
Andrés3$103,1311934.86/5.0
Cuenca Housing10$91,7351924.95/5.0
Diana10$68,5503364.54/5.0
Marcela5$61,8682044.96/5.0
Jhonnathan7$61,7237724.16/5.0
Juan Manuel6$57,9062024.64/5.0
Daniel5$54,2152064.95/5.0

Analyzing the strategies of top hosts, such as their property selection, pricing, and guest communication, can offer valuable lessons for optimizing your own Airbnb operations in Cuenca.

Dive Deeper: Advanced Cuenca STR Market Data (2025)

Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Cuenca. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.

Explore Advanced Metrics

Cuenca Short-Term Rental Market Composition (2025): Property & Room Types

Room Type Distribution

Property Type Distribution

Market Composition Insights for Cuenca

  • The Cuenca Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 79.7% of the 1,437 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
  • Looking at the property type distribution in Cuenca, Apartment/Condo properties are the most common (69.7%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
  • Houses represent a significant 16.8% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
  • The presence of 11.8% Hotel/Boutique listings indicates integration with traditional hospitality.
  • Smaller segments like others, outdoor/unique, unique stays (combined 1.7%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.

Cuenca Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2025): Bedroom Distribution

Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms

Room Capacity Insights for Cuenca

  • The dominant room capacity in Cuenca is 1 bedroom listings, making up 40.6% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
  • Together, 1 bedroom and 2 bedrooms properties represent 68.5% of the active Airbnb listings in Cuenca, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
  • A significant 25.0% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Cuenca.

Cuenca Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2025)

Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity

Guest Capacity Insights for Cuenca

  • The most common guest capacity trend in Cuenca vacation rentals is listings accommodating 4 guests (22.1%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely small families or groups.
  • Properties designed for 4 guests and 2 guests dominate the Cuenca STR market, accounting for 42.0% of listings.
  • 29.2% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Cuenca.
  • On average, properties in Cuenca are equipped to host 4.1 guests.

Cuenca Airbnb Booking Patterns (2025): Available vs. Booked Days

Available Days Distribution

Booked Days Distribution

Booking Pattern Insights for Cuenca

  • The most common availability pattern in Cuenca falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 51.6% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
  • Approximately 82.4% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
  • For booked days, the 91-180 days range is most frequent in Cuenca (31.2%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
  • A notable 18.2% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.

Cuenca Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis

Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement

1 Night (62.3%)

1 Night

819 listings

62.3% of total

2 Nights (26.5%)

2 Nights

349 listings

26.5% of total

3 Nights (3.1%)

3 Nights

41 listings

3.1% of total

4-6 Nights (1.4%)

4-6 Nights

18 listings

1.4% of total

7-29 Nights (1.1%)

7-29 Nights

14 listings

1.1% of total

30+ Nights (5.6%)

30+ Nights

74 listings

5.6% of total

Key Insights

  • The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Cuenca is 1 Night, adopted by 62.3% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
  • A strong majority (88.8%) of the Cuenca Airbnb data shows acceptance of very short stays (1-2 nights), indicating a dynamic, high-turnover market.

Recommendations

  • Align with the market by considering a 1 Night minimum stay, as 62.3% of Cuenca hosts use this setting.
  • Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 5.6% of the market seeking extended stays.
  • Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Cuenca.

Cuenca Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2025)

Flexible (37.9%)

Flexible

442 listings

37.9% of total

Moderate (30.7%)

Moderate

358 listings

30.7% of total

Firm (15.1%)

Firm

176 listings

15.1% of total

Strict (16.3%)

Strict

190 listings

16.3% of total

Cancellation Policy Insights for Cuenca

  • The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Cuenca is Flexible, used by 37.9% of listings.
  • There's a relatively balanced mix between guest-friendly (68.6%) and stricter (31.4%) policies, offering choices for different guest needs.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Consider adopting a Flexible policy to align with the 37.9% market standard in Cuenca.
  • Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Cuenca.

Cuenca STR Booking Lead Time Analysis (2025)

Average Booking Lead Time by Month

Booking Lead Time Insights for Cuenca

  • The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Cuenca is 26 days.
  • Guests book furthest in advance for stays during October (average 36 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
  • The shortest booking windows occur for stays in August (average 22 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
  • Seasonally, Fall (31 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Spring (24 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Use the overall average lead time (26 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Cuenca.
  • Target marketing efforts for the Fall season well in advance (at least 31 days) to capture early planners.
  • Monitor your own booking lead times against these Cuenca averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.

Popular & Essential Airbnb Amenities in Cuenca (2025)

Amenity Prevalence

Amenity Insights for Cuenca

  • Essential amenities in Cuenca that guests expect include: Wifi, TV. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
  • Popular amenities like Hot water, Kitchen, Essentials are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Cuenca: Wifi, TV.
  • Prioritize adding missing essentials: Wifi, TV.
  • Consider adding popular differentiators like Hot water or Kitchen to increase appeal.
  • Highlight unique or less common amenities you offer (e.g., hot tub, dedicated workspace, EV charger) in your listing description and photos.
  • Regularly check competitor amenities in Cuenca to stay competitive.

Cuenca Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2025)

Guest Origin: Domestic vs. International
Top 5 Cities of Origin
Top 5 Countries of Origin
Top 5 Languages Spoken
Guest Age Distribution (Birth Decade)

Guest Profile Summary for Cuenca

  • The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Cuenca consists of primarily domestic travelers (77%), often arriving from nearby Guayaquil, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking Spanish or English.
  • Domestic travelers account for 76.5% of guests.
  • Key international markets include Ecuador (76.5%) and United States (12.7%).
  • Top languages spoken are Spanish (54.6%) followed by English (34.3%).
  • A significant demographic segment is the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group, representing 50% of guests.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Target domestic marketing efforts towards travelers from Guayaquil and Quito.
  • Tailor amenities and listing descriptions to appeal to the dominant Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) demographic (e.g., highlight fast WiFi, smart home features, local guides).
  • Highlight unique local experiences or amenities relevant to the primary guest profile.
  • Consider seasonal promotions aligned with peak travel times for key origin markets.

Nearby Short-Term Rental Market Comparison

How does the Cuenca Airbnb market stack up against its neighbors? Compare key performance metrics like average monthly revenue, ADR, and occupancy rates in surrounding areas to understand the broader regional STR landscape.

MarketActive PropertiesMonthly RevenueDaily RateAvg. Occupancy
Abdon Calderon (La Union)10$1,543$170.3624%
Curia26$1,392$226.1422%
Sayausi11$1,190$163.8021%
La Entrada38$1,184$180.3725%
Parroquia Manglaralto32$1,109$227.9121%
District of Canoas de Punta Sal195$1,101$182.8025%
Olón174$799$169.6324%
Baños20$788$94.0827%
District of Zorritos251$759$135.2923%
Santa Isabel20$751$186.4820%

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