We have spent so much time walking the streets of Puerto Vallarta that we feel like we know every single cobblestone by heart.
Choosing where to stay is usually the biggest decision you have to make when planning a trip here.
Most people talk about Old Town, which is also known as the Zona Romantica.
They are the exact same place, so don't let anyone confuse you by using different names.
But then there is Amapas, which is tucked right next to it.
We wanted to break down the differences because where you sleep really changes the vibe of your whole vacation.
The Energy of Old Town
Old Town is the beating heart of the city.
It is loud, it is colorful, and it is full of life at every single hour of the day.
When you stay in this area, you are right in the middle of everything.
You have street taco stands on every corner and the smell of grilled corn and cilantro in the air.
The buildings are beautiful with their white walls and red-tiled roofs.
It feels like a traditional Mexican village, even though it is a world-famous travel spot.
If you are looking for old town puerto vallarta condo rentals, you are going to be steps away from the best coffee shops and galleries.
We love walking out the front door and having five different breakfast spots within a two-minute walk.
But keep in mind, Old Town is busy.
There are cars, people talking, and music coming from the bars.
It is the place to be if you want to feel the energy of the city constantly.
Why We Love Amapas
Now, let's talk about Amapas.
Technically, it sits just south of the main hub of the Romantic Zone.
It is often considered the "residential" part of the area, but it is much more than that.
In our opinion, Amapas is the absolute best place to rent a condo.
You get the proximity to the beach without the constant noise of the main street.
The hills in Amapas start to climb a bit, which means the views are incredible.
We love sitting on a balcony in Amapas and looking out over the entire bay.
You can see the sunset perfectly from here, and it feels a bit more private.
It is still totally walkable to the main beach at Los Muertos.
You just walk down the hill or along the beach path, and you are back in the mix.
It is the perfect balance of peace and action.
Check out our Amapas vacation guide to see more details on why this specific area is so special.
The Walkability Factor
One thing we tell everyone is that you don't need a car if you stay in either of these spots.
Everything is within walking distance.
The cobblestones can be a little tough on your feet, so bring good shoes!
Walking from Amapas into Old Town takes maybe ten minutes.
It is a beautiful walk too.
You pass small boutiques and see the local life happening all around you.
We really enjoy the transition from the quiet hills of Amapas into the buzzing streets of the Romantic Zone.
It feels like you are getting two different vacations in one.
There are so many activities in Puerto Vallarta near your rental that you will never feel like you are missing out by being slightly tucked away in Amapas.
Beach Days and Sunsets
The beaches in this part of town are legendary.
Los Muertos Beach is the main one, and it is always full of people having a great time.
You have beach clubs where you can grab a chair and a bucket of beers.
But if you want something a bit quieter, Amapas Beach is a hidden gem.
It is a smaller cove just south of the main beach.
It is much more relaxing if you just want to hear the waves.
Since Amapas is right there, you can easily pop back to your condo if you forget your sunscreen.
We find that staying in Amapas makes the beach experience feel much more personal.
You aren't fighting the crowds just to get to the sand.
The Condo Experience
When you are looking at puerto vallarta old town condo rentals, you really have to think about what you want your mornings to look like.
Do you want to hear the city waking up with the sound of trucks and street vendors?
Or do you want to wake up to the sound of birds and the ocean?
In Old Town, the condos are often part of the historic fabric of the neighborhood.
In Amapas, you get a bit more space and often a lot more natural light because of how the buildings are situated on the hill.
We have stayed in both, and while Old Town is exciting, we always find ourselves wishing we were back in the serenity of Amapas.
The interiors of the rentals in this area are usually very bright and open.
They take advantage of the jungle views and the ocean breeze.
Dining in the Neighborhood
One of the best things about both areas is the food.
You can get a high-end dinner or a $1 taco, and both will be the best thing you've ever eaten.
We recommend trying the small family-owned spots in the Romantic Zone.
Then, you can walk back to your quiet condo in Amapas to sleep off the food coma.
It is the best way to do it.
You get the authentic flavor of the city without having to deal with the noise late at night.
We also LOVE the local markets where you can buy fresh fruit to keep in your kitchen.
Having a kitchen is a huge plus when you are staying for more than a couple of days.
Eating breakfast on your own balcony with a view of the bay is honestly unbeatable.
Safety and Feeling at Home
We always feel incredibly safe walking around these neighborhoods.
Even late at night, the streets are well-lit and there are always people around.
The community in Amapas is very friendly.
You will start to recognize the same faces after just a few days.
It feels like home very quickly.
That is why we keep coming back.
It isn't just a tourist spot; it is a real neighborhood with a real soul.
The people who work in the local shops are so kind and grateful when you stop by.
We always make sure to say "Buenos dias" to everyone we pass.
Our Final Recommendation
If you are a solo traveler, a couple, or a small group, you really can't go wrong here.
But if we have to pick a winner, it is Amapas every single time.
The combination of the views, the quiet atmosphere, and the short walk to the heart of the action makes it the best spot in the city.
We highly recommend looking for your next stay in the Amapas area.
You get all the magic of the Romantic Zone with none of the headaches.
It is truly the best of both worlds.
We SOOO hope you enjoy your time in Puerto Vallarta as much as we do!
It is a place that stays in your heart long after you leave.
Make sure to take lots of photos and enjoy every single sunset.
See more of our favorite spots on Instagram.
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