I've spent enough time in Puerto Vallarta to know exactly where the best views are hiding. And trust me, they're all in Amapas.
If you want jaw-dropping bay views and sunsets that'll make your Instagram explode, you need to focus on one thing: elevation. The higher up that hillside you go in Amapas, the better those panoramic views become.
Let me walk you through exactly how I find the absolute best puerto vallarta rentals condo options with views that never get old.
Start With Elevation: It Changes Everything
Here's what I've learned after years of visiting PV: not all Amapas properties are created equal when it comes to views.
The neighborhood sits on a hillside above Playa de los Muertos, which means elevation is your best friend. Properties at the top of the hill overlook the entire bay, the coastline, and downtown Puerto Vallarta in one sweeping vista.
Lower down the hill? You'll still get ocean views, but they won't have that same breathtaking panoramic quality.
When I'm searching for my next stay, I always filter by location first and then look specifically for listings that mention "upper Amapas" or "hillside" in the description. Those are the magic words.
Look for Ocean-Facing Units With Multiple Balconies
Once you've narrowed your search to elevated properties, the next step is all about the unit itself.
I always prioritize condos that face directly toward the ocean. Sounds obvious, but some units face the mountain or have limited views because of their position in the building.
The best setups have floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding glass doors that open onto spacious balconies or terraces. You want as much glass and outdoor space as possible because those views deserve center stage.
Multiple balconies are even better. My favorite stays have had master bedrooms that open directly onto their own private terrace, plus a main living area balcony where I can have my morning coffee while watching the fishing boats head out.
Open-concept designs also maximize the view experience. When the kitchen, living room, and dining areas all flow together with those big windows, you get unobstructed sightlines from anywhere in the condo.
Use the Right Search Terms on Rental Platforms
Here's a pro tip that's saved me so much time: be specific with your search terms.
When I'm browsing Airbnb, VRBO, or Booking.com, I don't just search "Puerto Vallarta." I search "Amapas Puerto Vallarta" to narrow results immediately.
Then I scan listing titles for phrases like "ocean view," "bay view," "panoramic view," or "sunset view." Those keywords tell me the owner knows the views are a selling point.
I also read through the full description carefully. The best properties will mention specific view features like "180-degree bay views" or "unobstructed ocean vistas from every room."
Don't skip the photos either. I always look for pictures taken from the balcony during different times of day. If there are sunset photos, that's a really good sign.
Sunset Views Are Non-Negotiable
Speaking of sunsets, let me be clear: Amapas has THE BEST sunset views in Puerto Vallarta.
The way the sun drops into the Pacific right from your balcony is absolutely unreal. Every single evening becomes this vibrant show of oranges, pinks, and purples reflecting off Banderas Bay.
I specifically seek out west-facing units because I never want to miss those sunsets. Some properties even have outdoor seating areas designed specifically for sunset watching, which is exactly the kind of thoughtful detail I appreciate.
If a listing mentions "spectacular sunsets" or "sunset-facing terrace," I'm already half-sold.
Check Building Amenities That Complement the Views
The condo itself matters, but so does the building.
I look for properties in well-maintained buildings with amenities that let me enjoy those views from multiple vantage points. Infinity pools that seem to blend into the bay below are AMAZING. Common terraces or viewing areas give you even more spots to soak in the scenery.
Building pools with ocean views are standard in many Amapas properties, and they're honestly one of my favorite features. There's something incredibly relaxing about floating in a pool while looking out over the entire bay.
Security is another factor I consider. The nicer buildings in upper Amapas typically have 24-hour security, which means you're in a well-managed property with other quality units around you.
Location Within Amapas Matters for More Than Views
While I'm obsessed with the views, I also pay attention to how walkable the property is to downtown.
Most upper Amapas properties are about a 5-10 minute walk to the heart of Zona Romantica and Playa de los Muertos. That's perfect because you get those incredible elevated views but you're still close enough to walk to restaurants, bars, and the beach.
I love that I can head down the hill for dinner in Old Town, then climb back up to my condo and enjoy the quiet hillside atmosphere. You're removed from the street noise but not isolated.
Some properties are walkable, others require a quick taxi ride down. I prefer walkable because I like the flexibility, but the taxi situation in PV is so easy that it's never really a problem.
For more ideas on getting the most out of your stay, check out my guide on Rental Condos Puerto Vallarta: 15 Local Tips to Make Your Vacation Unforgettable.
Read Reviews Specifically About the Views
This might sound simple, but I always read guest reviews with one specific question in mind: do the views match the photos?
Sometimes listing photos are taken with wide-angle lenses or edited to look more impressive. Guest reviews will tell you the truth.
I look for comments like "the views were even better than expected" or "we spent every morning on the balcony watching the sunrise." Those are genuine endorsements.
If multiple reviews mention the views specifically, that's validation that they're truly special. And if someone says "the views made the entire trip," that property goes straight to the top of my list.
Why I Keep Coming Back to Amapas
After exploring different neighborhoods in Puerto Vallarta, I always end up back in Amapas.
The combination of elevation, proximity to downtown, and those panoramic bay views is unbeatable. You feel like you're in your own private paradise perched above the city, but you're still connected to everything.
Every time I stay in a condo rental in puerto vallarta mexico in Amapas, I'm reminded why this neighborhood has my heart. The views never get old, the sunsets are consistently spectacular, and the overall vibe is exactly what I want from a vacation.
If you're looking for a solo getaway with incredible scenery, you might also enjoy reading about Why Amapas is My Go-To for a Solo Puerto Vallarta Getaway.
My Final Recommendation
Finding a condo with the best Amapas views comes down to three things: elevation, ocean-facing orientation, and multiple outdoor spaces.
Focus your search on upper hillside properties with floor-to-ceiling windows and spacious balconies. Look for sunset-facing units if you want to experience those legendary Pacific sunsets every evening.
Read reviews carefully, examine photos from every angle, and don't settle for anything less than panoramic views of Banderas Bay.
Amapas has ruined me for other neighborhoods because once you've experienced these views, everything else feels like a compromise.
Highly recommended for anyone who wants to wake up to the ocean every morning and fall asleep to the sound of waves echoing up the hillside.
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