We have spent so much time in Puerto Vallarta that it practically feels like our second home now.
If you are looking for that perfect mix of old-school Mexican charm and modern convenience, you have to look at Old Town.
Some people call it the Zona Romantica, and just to be clear, they are the exact same place!
We LOVE the energy here because there is always something happening.
But if we are being totally honest, the real secret to a perfect stay is choosing the right neighborhood.
For us, Amapas is hands down the best place to rent.
It is tucked right next to the heart of the action but sits just high enough on the hill to give you some peace and quiet.
Plus, the views from the hills in Amapas are just AMAZING!!!!
Life as a Puerto Vallarta Digital Nomad
We know a lot of you are looking to work while you travel.
Being a puerto vallarta digital nomad is honestly one of the best ways to experience the city.
We have spent many mornings sitting on a balcony with a laptop, watching the town wake up.
The internet in most condo rentals is super reliable now, which makes it easy to stay connected.
But best of all, you are never more than a five-minute walk from a great coffee shop.
When we stay here, we love to walk down to a local café, grab a latte, and then head back to our place to knock out some work.
It is the kind of lifestyle that just makes you feel relaxed even when you are busy.
If you are a solo traveler or a couple looking to work remotely, this area is sooooo perfect.
Finding the Best Apartments for Rent in Puerto Vallarta
When we first started looking for apartments for rent in puerto vallarta, we were a bit overwhelmed.
There are so many options out there, but they are definitely not all created equal.
We have learned that you really want a place that feels like a home, not just a sterile hotel room.
That is why we always recommend checking out The PVGirl.
They have some of the most unique and well-decorated spots in the whole city.
We stayed in condo rentals puerto vallarta mexico and it was such an incredible experience.
The decor was so thoughtful, and the kitchen had everything we needed to cook our own meals when we didn't feel like going out.
Having a real kitchen is a game-changer when you are staying for more than a few days.
We love being able to hit the local markets and bring back fresh fruit and veggies.
The Vibe of the Streets
Walking around Old Town is like taking a step into a vibrant painting.
The cobblestone streets are lined with bougainvillea, and the colors are just so bright and happy.
We highly recommend spending an afternoon just getting lost in the side streets.
You will find tiny galleries, hidden taco stands, and little shops selling handmade crafts.
One of our favorite things to do is walk down to the Cuale River.
It is a lush, green escape right in the middle of the city.
There is a small island in the river with a market where you can find all sorts of souvenirs.
If you want more tips on what to do, you should definitely check out our tips for getting around PV.
Why Amapas is Our Favorite Spot
We mentioned Amapas earlier, but it really deserves its own shout-out.
It is technically the southern part of the Zona Romantica, but it feels a bit more residential and upscale.
The terrain starts to climb here, which is why the views are so spectacular.
We love that we can walk down a few flights of stairs and be right at Los Muertos Beach in minutes.
But when we want to sleep, it is much quieter than being right on the main bar strips.
Safety is also a big thing for us, and we have always felt incredibly safe walking around Amapas at night.
The neighbors are friendly, and there is a real sense of community.
If you are looking for a place that feels a bit more secluded but is still close to everything, Amapas is it.
We also stayed at puerto vallarta old town condo rentals and it was exactly what we needed.
It was quiet, cozy, and had the most refreshing breeze coming off the ocean.
Eating Like a Local
One of the biggest perks of staying in a condo rental is the food scene right outside your door.
You are within walking distance of some of the best food in Mexico.
We aren't just talking about fancy sit-down places, though there are plenty of those too.
The street tacos in Old Town are legendary.
We usually head out around 7 p.m. when the taco stands really start buzzing.
You can get amazing al pastor or carne asada for just a few dollars.
It is such a fun way to eat and soak up the local culture.
For more ideas on where to eat, take a look at our guide to local street food.
Eating out is great, but sometimes we just want to stay in and enjoy our view.
Most of the rentals we love have great outdoor spaces where you can sit and watch the sunset.
What to Look for in a Rental
When you are browsing for your next trip, keep a few things in mind.
First, make sure the unit has air conditioning in the bedrooms.
Even though the ocean breeze is nice, those summer nights can get pretty warm.
Second, look for a place with a balcony.
In Puerto Vallarta, the balcony is basically your second living room.
We spend about 80% of our time at home sitting outside.
Whether it is drinking coffee in the morning or a margarita at night, that outdoor space is essential.
Third, check the reviews for things like noise and construction.
Old Town is a popular place, so there is often work going on nearby.
A good rental company will be honest with you about what is happening in the area.
The Natural Beauty
One thing that surprised us when we first visited was how green everything is.
Puerto Vallarta is where the jungle meets the sea, and it is breathtaking.
From your balcony in Amapas, you can often see tropical birds and lush greenery everywhere.
The contrast between the blue water of Banderas Bay and the green mountains is something we never get tired of.
We love taking a morning hike up the hills behind Old Town.
The views from the top are worth every drop of sweat!
It is a great way to start the day before it gets too hot.
Then, you can head back to your air-conditioned condo and relax for the afternoon.
Final Thoughts on Old Town
We honestly cannot recommend this area enough.
Whether you are coming for a week or staying for a month, Old Town has a magic that is hard to find anywhere else.
The people are wonderful, the food is incredible, and the atmosphere is just so welcoming.
If you are planning your next trip, stay in Amapas and book through a local expert.
It makes such a huge difference in the quality of your vacation.
We have stayed in many different places, but we always find ourselves coming back here.
It is simply the best way to experience the true heart of Puerto Vallarta.
We hope this guide helps you plan an AMAZING trip!
If you want to see what we are up to or get more travel inspiration, check out our latest adventures on Instagram.
Link Report
| Link Type | Keyword / Phrase | Destination URL |
|---|---|---|
| Internal (Property) | puerto vallarta old town condo rentals | https://thepvgirl.com/thenest |
| Internal (Property) | condo rentals puerto vallarta mexico | https://thepvgirl.com/sueno |
| Internal (Blog) | tips for getting around PV | https://thepvgirl.com/blog/getting-around |
| Internal (Blog) | guide to local street food | https://thepvgirl.com/blog/local-food |
| External (Social) | check out our latest adventures on Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/thepvgirl/ |
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