I've spent years exploring Puerto Vallarta. I've walked every street. Tried every taco stand. Watched countless sunsets.
And I keep coming back to one neighborhood.
Amapas.
It's not just my favorite area. It's the BEST place to stay if you want the real PV experience without the chaos.
Let me tell you why.
The Location is Perfect
Amapas sits just south of the Romantic Zone. It's elevated on the hillside, tucked away from the noise of downtown.
But here's the thing. You're only five minutes from everything.
Want tacos at midnight? Easy. Need to grab groceries? No problem. Feel like a beach day? Los Muertos is right there.
You get the peace and quiet. But you're never far from the action.
The airport is about 30 minutes away. So getting here is simple. No long drives through traffic. No stress.
I LOVE that balance.
You wake up to birds singing. Not car horns. Not club music.
Just peace.
Those Views Though
Okay. I need to talk about the views.
Amapas is built on hillsides overlooking Banderas Bay. The higher you go, the more stunning it gets.
We're talking panoramic ocean views. Mountains in the distance. The whole curve of the bay stretched out in front of you.
And the sunsets? AMAZING.
I've seen a lot of sunsets. These are different. The sky turns orange and pink and purple. The water catches all of it.
You can sit on a terrace with a cold drink and watch the whole show. Every single evening.
It never gets old. Trust me.
When I'm searching for puerto vallarta condos rentals, views are always my top priority. Amapas delivers every time.
The Neighborhood Has Character
This isn't some cookie-cutter resort area.
Amapas has cobblestone streets. Colorful buildings. Tropical plants everywhere you look.
It feels authentically Mexican. But comfortable.
You'll see local families walking to the corner store. Expats having coffee on their balconies. Dogs napping in the shade.
It's a real neighborhood. Not a tourist trap.
I appreciate that so much.
There's no pretense here. No velvet ropes or bottle service. Just genuine warmth and laid-back vibes.
The expat community is wonderful too. Friendly people from all over who chose this specific spot.
They chose it for a reason.
Beach Access Without the Crowds
Here's something people don't always realize about Amapas.
You can walk to the beach.
Los Muertos Beach is right there. It's one of the most popular beaches in PV for good reason. Great restaurants. Beach chairs. Crystal clear water.
But since you're staying slightly removed from the main strip, you get to choose your experience.
Want the lively beach scene? Walk five minutes and you're there.
Want something quieter? Head south a bit and find your own stretch of sand.
Some properties in Amapas even have semi-private beach access. It's sooo nice.
You're never fighting crowds unless you want to be part of them.
The Food Situation
Let me be honest. I care a lot about food.
Amapas itself is residential. Quiet. But the Romantic Zone is your neighbor.
That means world-class restaurants are minutes away.
We're talking fresh seafood. Authentic Mexican cuisine. International options. Amazing coffee shops.
I've had some of the best meals of my life in this area.
And the taco stands? Don't even get me started.
Late night street tacos after a day at the beach. That's the good life right there.
You can also find boutique shops and art galleries nearby. Perfect for a relaxed afternoon of wandering.
Safety and Peace of Mind
This matters to me. Especially when I'm recommending areas to friends.
Amapas feels safe.
Many properties are in gated communities. The streets are well-maintained. The vibe is calm.
I've walked around at night without worry. I've left my balcony doors open to catch the breeze.
It just feels secure.
The community looks out for each other here. There's a sense of belonging that you don't always find in vacation spots.
If you're a solo traveler or bringing family, that peace of mind is huge.
Why I Choose Amapas Over Everything Else
Look. The Romantic Zone is great. Old Town has incredible energy.
But for actually staying somewhere? Amapas wins.
You get the views. The quiet. The authentic neighborhood feel.
But you're still connected to everything PV has to offer.
It's the best of both worlds.
When I'm looking for a condo rental puerto vallarta, Amapas is always my first choice. Always.
The neighborhood just makes sense for the kind of vacation I want. Relaxed but not boring. Beautiful but not pretentious.
What a Typical Day Looks Like
Let me paint a picture.
You wake up slowly. No alarm. Just sunlight coming through the windows.
Coffee on the terrace. Those views I mentioned? They're your breakfast companion.
Maybe you walk down to the beach mid-morning. Take a dip. Grab a fresh juice from a beach vendor.
Lunch at a little restaurant in the Romantic Zone. Fish tacos. Cold beer.
Afternoon siesta. Read a book. Take a nap. Whatever you want.
Evening comes and the sky starts changing colors. You watch the sunset from your spot on the hill.
Dinner somewhere special. Or simple. Your call.
That's it. That's the Amapas life.
No rushing. No must-see tourist attractions. Just living well in a beautiful place.
My Honest Recommendation
I've stayed in a lot of neighborhoods in Puerto Vallarta.
Amapas is where my heart is.
The views are unmatched. The location is perfect. The vibe is exactly right.
If you want a vacation that actually feels like a vacation, this is your spot.
Highly recommended. Like, HIGHLY.
Come see for yourself. Walk those cobblestone streets. Watch that sunset. Feel that ocean breeze.
You'll understand why I keep coming back.
Amapas isn't just a neighborhood. It's a feeling.
And it's my absolute favorite place to be in PV.
About the Author
