I have been coming to Puerto Vallarta for a long time now.
Every time I touch down at the airport, I feel that warm tropical air hit my face and I just know I'm home.
But I don't head for the big hotels or the gated resorts.
I head straight for the places that have real soul.
If you really want to feel the magic of this city, you have to stay in Old Town or Amapas.
These are the areas where the heartbeat of PV actually lives.
Old Town, which everyone also calls the Zona Romantica, is where all the life is.
It is full of cobblestone streets, red-tiled roofs, and the best food you will ever eat in your life.
I LOVE walking down the street and seeing the colorful banners hanging between the buildings.
It feels like a real Mexican village, even though it’s a bustling city.
Then you have Amapas, which is right next door.
Amapas is my absolute favorite place in the entire world.
It is tucked just a little bit higher up or right along the coast south of the pier.
It is quieter and feels like a secret jungle hideaway, but you are still just a five-minute walk from the party.
When people ask me where to find a rental property in puerto vallarta mexico, I always tell them to look right here.
You get the best of both worlds.
You get the peace and quiet of the trees and the birds, and you get the energy of the city.
I honestly think staying anywhere else is a mistake if you want the real experience.
Why would you stay in a hotel that looks like every other hotel in the world?
I wrote a bit about why I prefer condos over those big sterile resorts recently.
In Old Town and Amapas, every building has character.
You walk out your door and you are immediately part of the neighborhood.
The local coffee shop guy knows your name after two days.
The lady selling tamales on the corner smiles at you every morning.
It is AMAZING how friendly everyone is here.
Let’s talk about the vibe in Old Town for a second.
It’s where the tradition meets the fun.
You have the church bells ringing, children playing in the plaza, and then blocks of incredible bars and galleries.
I love the art walk nights where you can just wander in and out of shops with a drink in your hand.
The energy is so high and everyone is just happy to be there.
And the food! Oh man, the food.
You can get a taco for a few pesos on the street that will change your life.
Or you can sit down at a high-end spot right on the sand and watch the waves.
But then, when the sun starts to go down, I usually head back toward Amapas.
Amapas is where the views get really serious.
Because it’s on a bit of a hill, you can see the entire bay from your balcony.
I spend hours just sitting on my patio watching the orange and purple sky.
It is sooo beautiful that it doesn't even feel real sometimes.
If you are looking for old town puerto vallarta condo rentals, you really should check out the spots that border Amapas.
You get that extra bit of elevation that makes the breeze feel so good.
And trust me, you want that ocean breeze when it gets warm.
A lot of people think they need a car to get around PV.
If you stay in these areas, you definitely don't.
We walk everywhere!
Everything is so close together.
I love the feeling of the cobblestones under my feet: even if they are a little bumpy sometimes.
It keeps you present and makes you slow down.
Walking from a condo in Amapas down to Los Muertos beach is such a nice stroll.
You pass by all these beautiful plants and flowers that smell incredible.
I actually found some secret spots in Amapas that most tourists never even see.
There are little paths that lead down to hidden coves where the water is clear and blue.
It’s just peaceful.
No loud music, no crowds, just the sound of the Pacific Ocean.
I feel so lucky every time I get to wake up there.
The interiors of the condos in this area are usually just as bright as the outside.
Most places have huge glass doors that slide all the way open.
It’s like living outside but with a kitchen and a comfy bed.
I love waking up and seeing the jungle and the ocean at the same time.
It’s very green and lush, especially after the rain.
Everything just sparkles.
If you are a solo traveler, you will feel so safe here.
Old Town is very walkable at night and there are always people around.
It feels like a community that looks out for each other.
I’ve never felt out of place or unwelcome.
The locals are the kindest people I’ve ever met.
They are so proud of their city and they want you to LOVE it too.
And honestly, how could you not?
There is something about the light in Puerto Vallarta that is just different.
It’s golden and soft in the afternoons.
I love taking my camera out and just capturing the colors of the buildings.
The bright pinks, the deep blues, and the yellow walls everywhere.
It is a photographer’s dream.
I’m always posting photos of my walks because I want everyone to see how colorful it is.
If you want to see what I mean, you can follow my latest shots on Instagram.
It really shows off that Old Town charm better than words can.
I think the biggest draw for me is the balance.
In Old Town, I can be social and meet people from all over the world.
I can dance, I can eat, and I can explore the markets.
Then, I can walk back to Amapas and it’s like a different world.
It is quiet enough to hear the crickets and the waves.
It’s the best place to recharge your batteries.
I tell all my friends that if they are coming to PV, they have to stay south of the river.
The north side is fine, but it’s just not the same.
It doesn't have the history or the heart that Old Town and Amapas have.
When you stay in a condo here, you aren't just a guest.
You feel like you actually live in Mexico for a little while.
You shop at the local markets for fresh mangoes and avocados.
You learn which street has the best breeze in the afternoon.
You find your favorite spot on the beach where the sand is just right.
It is a total lifestyle, not just a vacation.
I am so grateful that I get to spend so much time in this corner of the world.
Every time I have to leave, I’m already planning my next trip back before I even get to the airport.
That is how you know a place is special.
It stays with you long after you go home.
If you are planning a trip soon, I highly recommend staying in Amapas or Old Town.
You will not regret it for a second.
It is truly the best way to experience everything that makes Puerto Vallarta so AMAZING.
Go for the food, stay for the views, and fall in love with the people.
I promise you'll be hooked just like I am!
About the Author
