When I first arrived in Puerto Vallarta, I was like everyone else. I wanted to be right in the middle of everything. I wanted the noise, the tacos, and the energy of the cobblestone streets.
I spent my first few trips staying in the heart of Old Town. Now, some people call it Zona Romantica. Just so you know, they are exactly the same place! Whether you say Old Town or Zona Romantica, you are talking about the soul of the city.
I loved it there, but I eventually realized something. Sometimes, the best way to enjoy the energy of the city is to look down on it from a little bit of distance. That is how I discovered Amapas.
Amapas is tucked away just south of the main buzz. It sits on the hillsides where the jungle starts to take over. It is quiet, it is lush, and in my opinion, it is the absolute best place to rent a home for your vacation.
The Hillside Magic of Amapas
The first thing you notice about Amapas is the green. Because it sits on the edge of the Sierra Madre mountains, the jungle is everywhere. You wake up to the sound of tropical birds instead of garbage trucks.
The streets here wind up the hills. It is a bit of a workout, but the reward is worth every step. Every turn gives you a new view of the blue ocean.
I remember the first time I stayed in one of the puerto vallarta apartments in this area. I walked out onto my balcony and just stared. I could see the entire bay, the cathedral in the distance, and the waves hitting the rocks below.
The streets in Amapas are made of the same beautiful cobblestones as Old Town. They have that old-world Mexican charm that we all fall in love with. But they are so much more peaceful.
If you are a solo traveler, you will LOVE the safety and quiet here. You get all the benefits of being near the action without the late-night party noise. It is the perfect balance for anyone who needs to actually relax on their vacation.
Why Amapas is the Best Place to Rent
I always tell my friends that if they want the real "local secret" experience, they need to look at Amapas. While everyone else is fighting for space on the flat streets of the Romantic Zone, you can be up in the fresh air.
Amapas has some of the most stunning condo rentals I have ever seen. They are designed to let the outside in. You get these massive open living spaces that make you feel like you are living in a treehouse by the sea.
When you look for condos for rent in puerto vallarta, you will find that Amapas offers more space and better views for your money. You aren't staring at the wall of the building next door. You are staring at the horizon.
I also love how close it is. You can walk down the hill and be at the famous Los Muertos beach in five minutes. You can grab your morning coffee and be in the heart of the city before you even finish it.
But best of all, you get to escape back up to your sanctuary when you're done. It is like having a private retreat that is still connected to the party.
The Secret of Playa Amapas
Speaking of secrets, most tourists never find Playa Amapas. They stay at the main beach where all the chairs and umbrellas are. But if you know the way, you can find a whole different world.
To get there, you walk to the very south end of Los Muertos beach. You’ll see a path that goes up over a rocky point called El Púlpito. It looks a bit steep, but it is easy enough if you take your time.
On the other side of that hill is Playa Amapas. It is a tiny, hidden cove. There are no restaurants or bars there, just sand, trees, and crystal-clear water. It is AMAZING.
I like to bring a towel and a book and just spend the whole afternoon there. It feels like you are on a deserted island, even though you are just minutes away from the city.
If you like finding these kinds of spots, you should definitely check out some other hidden gems in Zona Romantica. There is so much to explore once you get off the main path.
Living the Apartment Life
There is something special about staying in an apartment instead of a big hotel. You get to cook your own breakfast with fresh mangoes from the market. You get to feel like you actually live here.
In Amapas, the apartments feel very personal. They often have local art and traditional tile work that makes them feel authentic. I really think it changes your whole vacation experience.
I usually travel with my partner, and we have found that a one-bedroom place is perfect. It gives us enough room to spread out without feeling like we are lost in a huge house.
If you are wondering about the best setup for your trip, there are some great tips on why savvy travelers choose one-bedroom rentals. It really is the smartest way to travel if you want comfort and value.
The kitchens in these Amapas rentals are usually great too. I LOVE going to the fish market in the morning and then coming back to grill some fresh mahi-mahi for dinner on my balcony.
Watching the sunset from your own place is an experience you just can't beat. You don't have to fight for a table at a restaurant. You just sit back, open a cold drink, and watch the sky turn orange.
Getting Around
Now, I should be honest about the hills. Amapas is built on a slope. If you aren't a fan of walking uphill, don't worry! Taxis and Ubers are everywhere and they are very cheap.
I usually walk down into town because it is easy and the views are gorgeous. Then, after a big dinner and maybe a few margaritas, I take a quick ride back up to my door. It is super convenient.
The neighborhood is also very clean and safe. I always feel comfortable walking around, even in the evening. The people who live here are friendly and there is a real sense of community.
You will see many expats and locals walking their dogs or just enjoying the breeze. It has a very "neighborhood" feel that you don't always get in the more touristy areas.
The Sunset Finale
Every single evening in Amapas feels like a celebration. Because the neighborhood faces west, you get the absolute best seat in the house for the sunset.
The colors are just incredible. One night the sky is bright pink, the next it is deep purple. I never get tired of it. It is the perfect way to end every day of your vacation.
If you want a place that feels special, quiet, and beautiful, you have to try Amapas. It really is the crown jewel of Puerto Vallarta.
I am so grateful that I found this little corner of paradise. It has made my trips to Mexico so much more meaningful. I can't imagine staying anywhere else now.
For your next trip, I can't say it enough: Amapas is the place to be. It is highly recommended.
Check out my latest photos and updates from the beach on Instagram!
About the Author
