Cartagena

As of May 2026, Cartagena, Barú, Islas del Rosario have 7,205 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 1% increase from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Cartagena generates COP86.5M per year. High-performing properties earn COP325.3M/year, while low-performing properties earn COP23.6M/year. This massive disparity suggests a bifurcated market where top-tier assets capture significantly more value, while the broader pool struggles with stagnant revenue growth against a backdrop of increasing inventory.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Cartagena. Average annual revenue is COP86.5M with 30% occupancy. High-performing properties earn up to COP325.3M/year. The 30% average occupancy indicates a challenging utilization environment, highlighting that revenue upside is driven more by asset positioning than market-wide demand density.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Cartagena is 30%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of COP634K, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of COP191K per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Cartagena, with annual revenue of COP324.8M. These properties balance operating costs and rental demand most effectively in the Cartagena market. Property performance varies significantly by location, amenities, and management quality.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Cartagena area. Cartagena: Moderate. RNT tourism registry required, tax registration with DIAN, fire safety compliance. Growing enforcement in historic center, lighter in newer areas. Many operate informally. Barú: Lenient. Technically requires RNT registry and permits, but minimal enforcement. Remote location limits oversight. Most hosts operate without full compliance. Islas del Rosario: Lenient. RNT registration theoretically required. Virtually no enforcement due to island geography. Most rentals informal/unregistered. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Cartagena Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has grown 1% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 5%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. The contraction in revenue per listing despite minimal supply growth suggests that existing inventory is facing pressure from shifting traveler spending patterns.

Launch around October, 2-3 months before peak winter season (January peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is -15% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (September-May) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Cartagena listings include: Air Conditioning (99%), Kitchen (96%), Tv (95%), Pool (74%), Washing Machine (73%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Bbq, Pool, Air Conditioning, with Bbq properties earning approximately 61% more (COP169.3M/year vs COP105.5M/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Cartagena over the last 12 months: May: COP4.3M, June: COP5.1M, July: COP5.5M, August: COP5.8M, September: COP4.6M, October: COP4.4M, November: COP5.2M, December: COP7.4M, January: COP9.3M, February: COP5.4M, March: COP6.4M, April: COP6.1M. These figures are based on RevPAR (revenue per available room) multiplied by the number of days in each month.

The overall average nightly rate in Cartagena is COP634K, up 7% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average COP317K/night, 2-bedroom properties average COP473K/night, 3-bedroom properties average COP743K/night, 4+ bedroom properties average COP2.6M/night. Rates peak in January and are lowest in May.

Guests in Cartagena book an average of 28 days in advance, down 16% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 24 days, 2-bedroom: 29 days, 3-bedroom: 32 days, 4+ bedroom: 43 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Cartagena Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply grew 1%, revenue per listing decreased 5%, occupancy fell 9%, average nightly rates increased 7%, and lead time decreased 16%. These metrics show that while hosts are pushing higher rates, the resulting compression in occupancy and lead time indicates a market struggling to absorb price increases.

In Cartagena, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Tuesday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Friday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekends show 22% higher occupancy than weekdays.