I have been living in Puerto Vallarta for a long time now, and I can tell you that the magic of this place never gets old.
Most people come here and stay on the main beach or walk the Malecon, which is great, but there is so much more to see if you know where to look.
We love sharing the little spots that most tourists miss because it makes your vacation feel sooo much more special.
If you are looking for an authentic trip, you have to get away from the big crowds and find the hidden gems.
Our favorite way to see the city is by staying in the heart of everything, and honestly, we think Amapas is the absolute best place to rent.
It is tucked away just enough to feel private, but it is still right next to all the action.
Here are my top 5 local secrets for an AMAZING time in Puerto Vallarta!
1. The Hike to Colomitos Beach
If you love a little adventure, you have to try the coastal hike from Boca de Tomatlán to Las Animas.
It is one of my favorite things to do because the views are just incredible.
You start in a small fishing village and walk along a narrow path that hugs the ocean.
About 20 minutes into the hike, you find Colomitos.
It is officially one of the smallest beaches in Mexico, and it is hidden in a tiny cove with emerald-green water.
The sand is golden and the jungle comes right down to the water’s edge.
It feels like you discovered a secret paradise that nobody else knows about!
I highly recommend going early in the morning so you can have the whole beach to yourself before the water taxis arrive.
2. Authentic Birria in Old Town
You cannot visit Puerto Vallarta without eating like a local.
Forget the fancy dining rooms for a minute and head to a street stand for some real birria.
Birria is a traditional slow-cooked stew, usually made with beef or goat, and it is so flavorful.
The meat is so tender it just falls apart, and they serve it with a side of consommé (the broth) for dipping.
I LOVE finding a small stand in the backstreets of Old Town where the locals eat.
It is the best way to get a real taste of Mexico without the tourist prices.
While you are exploring these streets, you might be looking for puerto vallarta rentals old town so you can be close to all this delicious food.
Staying in this area means you can just walk out your door and find a world-class taco in minutes.
3. The Pie Lady of Yelapa
Yelapa is a small town that you can only get to by boat.
It has no cars, which makes it feel like you stepped back in time.
But the real secret of Yelapa is the Pie Lady.
There is a woman who walks the beach with a plastic container on her head filled with the most AMAZING homemade pies.
You can get banana, chocolate, coconut, or cheese pie, and they are all sooo good.
We usually take a water taxi from the pier in Zona Romantica and spend the whole day there.
It is a great way to see what life is like in a real Mexican fishing village.
If you want to know more about finding these types of spots, you should check out this post on uncovering the real local secrets in Puerto Vallarta.
4. The View from Cerro de la Cruz
If you want the best view in the whole city, you have to climb up to the Mirador Cerro de la Cruz.
It is a bit of a workout because the stairs are steep, but I promise the view is worth every single step.
Once you get to the top, you can see the entire Banderas Bay, the red-tiled roofs of the city, and the mountains behind you.
It is the perfect spot for photos, especially at sunset.
We always tell our guests that if they have the energy, this is a must-do activity.
It gives you a totally different perspective of the town and how the jungle meets the sea.
5. Sunset in Amapas
I saved the best for last, and that is just enjoying a quiet sunset in the Amapas area.
Amapas is located just south of Old Town, and it is honestly my favorite neighborhood in the whole city.
It is built into the hillside, so the views are spectacular.
You get the peace and quiet of the jungle but you are only a five-minute walk from the beach.
When people ask for zona romantica puerto vallarta rentals, I always suggest looking at Amapas first.
It is the best place to rent because it feels more relaxed and personal than the busier parts of town.
There is something so peaceful about watching the sun go down over the ocean from your own balcony in Amapas.
If you are curious about why we love this area so much, take a look at why Amapas stands out as the best place for your stay.
Why Local Knowledge Matters
When you visit Puerto Vallarta, you want to feel like you are part of the community.
That is why we focus on these off-the-beaten-path experiences.
We want you to see the real side of the city, the one that we fell in love with years ago.
Whether it is finding a hidden beach or knowing where to get the best tacos, these details make your trip unforgettable.
I am so grateful that I get to live here and share these tips with you.
If you are planning a trip, definitely look into staying in Old Town or Amapas.
They are the same general area, but Amapas gives you that extra bit of elevation for the views and the breeze.
It is highly recommended for anyone who wants a mix of relaxation and local culture!
We hope you have the BEST time exploring our beautiful home.
Don't forget to pack your walking shoes and a big appetite!
For more photos and local tips, come say hi to us on Facebook!
About the Author
