I have spent a lot of time in Puerto Vallarta. I mean, A LOT.
After so many trips, people always ask me where they should stay. My answer is always the same.
Amapas is hands down my favorite place in the entire city.
It has this magic that you just don't find anywhere else. It’s where the thick green jungle literally touches the edge of the ocean.
If you want peace and quiet but still want to be close to the action, this is the spot for you.
The Vibe of the Hillside
When I first stayed in Amapas, I was worried it might be too far away. I was so wrong!
It is tucked right behind the Romantic Zone, which is the same place as Old Town.
The first thing you notice is the sound. Or rather, the lack of it.
Down in the heart of town, you hear buses and music all night. But up in Amapas? You hear the birds.
You hear the wind moving through the palm trees. It feels like a total escape from the world.
Winding Streets and Local Life
The streets here are all cobblestone and very curvy. I LOVE walking these roads in the morning.
Everything is so colorful! You see houses painted bright blue, sunny yellow, and deep pink.
Huge bundles of purple bougainvillea flowers hang over every wall. It’s like living inside a postcard.
If you are a solo traveler, you will feel totally safe walking around here. I always do.
You’ll see neighbors chatting over their gates and kids running to the corner store. It feels like a real neighborhood.
Why Amapas is the Best Choice
I have stayed all over the city, but Amapas is special because of the height.
Because the neighborhood is on a hill, almost every place has a view.
I’m talking about big, sweeping views of the entire bay.
Watching the sunset from a balcony here is something you will never forget. SOOO BEAUTIFUL!
And the best part? You can find amazing condo and apartment rentals puerto vallarta right in this area.
I stayed at a place called Hummingbird recently and it was just perfect for watching the boats come in.
A Short Walk to the Fun
One of the practical details you need to know is the walk.
It only takes about 5 to 10 minutes to walk from Amapas down to the heart of Old Town.
You just head down Calle Pulpito. It is a bit steep, so your legs will get a little workout!
But the walk is worth it. You pass by little markets where you can grab a fresh mango or a tamale.
When you get to the bottom, you are right at the Los Muertos Pier.
Everything you want: tacos, art galleries, and beach clubs: is right there.
But when you are tired of the crowds, you just walk back up the hill to your quiet home.
The Secret Beach
Most people stay on the main beach in town. It’s fun, but it gets very crowded.
If you stay in Amapas, you have a secret weapon: Las Amapas Beach.
To get there, you take a little path over a big rock formation called El Pulpito.
It is a bit of a climb, so wear good shoes! But once you get over that hill, it’s like a different world.
The water there is a stunning emerald green. It is much quieter than the main beach.
There are big trees that give you natural shade so you don't bake in the sun.
I highly recommend spending a whole afternoon there with a good book.
It is one of the many hidden gems in Zona Romantica that most tourists just walk right past.
Finding Your Perfect Space
When you are looking to rent apartments in puerto vallarta, you have a lot of choices.
I personally love the smaller, more personal spaces.
I think why savvy travelers choose one-bedroom rentals is because you get a more authentic experience.
You don't need a giant place to have a great time. A simple, clean condo with a big window is all you need.
I’ve looked at Vizcarra 2 before, and it has that classic Mexican feel that I just LOVE.
It’s about having a place that feels like home, not just a hotel room.
Living the Jungle Life
Another thing I love about Amapas is how green it is.
Even in the middle of the dry season, the hillside stays lush.
When it does rain, the smell of the jungle is AMAZING. It smells like earth and flowers and fresh air.
You might see a couple of iguanas sunning themselves on the rocks.
Or you might see colorful birds you’ve never seen before.
It makes you feel like you are deep in nature, even though the city is right there.
Practical Tips for Your Stay
If you are planning to stay in Amapas, here are a few things I’ve learned:
First, bring comfortable walking shoes. The cobblestones are pretty but they can be uneven.
Second, don't be afraid of the hills! They are the reason you get those incredible views.
Third, go to the local markets on the side streets for your fruit. It’s much better than the big stores.
Fourth, make sure to take the path over El Pulpito at least once. The view from the top is the best in town.
I am so grateful for the time I’ve spent in this neighborhood. Every morning I wake up there, I feel lucky.
Why This is My Top Recommendation
I’ve seen a lot of neighborhoods come and go in Puerto Vallarta.
But Amapas stays the same. It stays beautiful, green, and peaceful.
It gives you the best of both worlds. You get the excitement of the city when you want it.
And you get a quiet sanctuary when you are ready to relax.
I really believe it is the absolute best place to stay for a vacation.
If you want to feel like a local and see the most beautiful parts of the bay, stay in Amapas.
It is highly recommended!
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