We have spent a lot of time in Puerto Vallarta over the years, and one thing we have learned for sure is that where you stay makes or breaks your whole trip.
If you are a solo traveler or a couple looking for the perfect mix of peace and proximity, you have probably looked at Old Town.
Most people call it Zona Romantica, and just so you know, they are exactly the same place!
But within this area, there is a big choice to make: do you stay on the flat streets right in the middle of the noise, or do you head up into the hills?
For us, the answer is simple. We LOVE the hills of Amapas and think it is the absolute best place to rent in the whole city.
In this post, we want to share exactly why we always choose elevation over the flat streets and why you should too!
The Magic of the Amapas View
There is something truly AMAZING about waking up, walking out onto your balcony, and seeing the entire Banderas Bay stretched out in front of you.
When you stay on the flat streets of Old Town, your view is usually a wall, another building, or maybe a tiny slice of the street below.
But in Amapas, the elevation gives you a perspective that is simply unbeatable.
We have spent hours just sitting on our terrace, watching the paragliders, the fishing boats, and the cruise ships come and go.
It is like having a giant, ever-changing painting right in your living room!
The sunsets from up here are so much better because you are high above the palm trees and other buildings.
You get the full show of oranges, pinks, and purples reflecting off the water.
If you are looking for condos for rent in puerto vallarta, you really have to prioritize the view.
It changes your whole mood the second you step inside.
Peace and Quiet Like Nowhere Else
One thing people don't always tell you about Zona Romantica is that it can get LOUD.
We love the energy of the bars, the restaurants, and the nightlife, but we don't always want to hear it at 2:00 AM from our bedroom!
The flat streets are where all the action is, which is great for a night out, but it can be a bit much when you are trying to sleep.
The Amapas hills act like a natural sound barrier.
Because you are tucked away and elevated, the city sounds just fade into a low hum in the background.
Instead of hearing loud music or trucks on cobblestones, we hear the birds in the morning and the wind through the trees.
It feels like a private retreat, even though you are only a few minutes away from everything.
This is why we say Amapas is the best kept secret for rentals because you get the best of both worlds.
You can go down into the chaos whenever you want, and then escape back up to your quiet sanctuary.
A Natural Workout Every Day
Okay, let's talk about the hills. Yes, they are steep!
But honestly, we see this as a huge benefit.
When you are on vacation, you are probably eating a lot of amazing tacos and drinking plenty of margaritas.
Walking up the hills of Amapas every day is the best way to stay active without even trying.
We find that after a few days, our legs feel stronger and we have so much more energy.
If you don't feel like walking, Ubers and taxis are everywhere and they are very easy to use.
But walking down the stairs and through the winding streets is part of the charm.
You get to see beautiful Mexican architecture and lush gardens that you just don't see on the flat main roads.
Every corner has a new view or a colorful house to admire.
It makes every trip to the beach feel like a little adventure.
If you are curious about how to navigate the area, you should check out our guide to finding the best condos for some local tips.
Modern Comfort in Every Unit
One of the things we LOVE about the buildings in Amapas is how modern and well-kept they are.
A lot of the older buildings on the flat streets can feel a bit dark or cramped.
In Amapas, because the buildings are built into the hillside, they are designed to maximize light and airflow.
We recently stayed in a place called Hummingbird, and it was SOOO good.
It is a large studio that feels massive because of the open concept and the huge windows.
Even though it is in the hills, it is only 4 blocks from the beach!
We really appreciated the high-speed WiFi and the fact that we could bring our pets.
Another great option we found was Vizcarra 1, which is a very centric studio.
It has a wonderful terrace where you can sit and enjoy the city lights at night.
Finding good rentals in puerto vallarta can be tricky, but sticking to the Amapas area has never let us down.
The quality of the spaces is consistently high, and the management is always so helpful.
Living Like a Local, Not a Tourist
Staying in the hills gives you a much more authentic feeling.
On the flat streets, you are surrounded by other tourists and hotels.
In Amapas, you are living alongside locals and expats who have made this their home.
You see the same neighbors every morning, and there is a real sense of community.
We love stopping at the little corner stores or saying hello to the gardeners.
It makes us feel like we belong in Puerto Vallarta, rather than just visiting it.
The architecture in this area is also much more traditional and colorful.
You will see beautiful ironwork, hand-painted tiles, and stunning wooden doors.
It is the "real" Mexico that we always look for.
If you want more details on why this area is so special, the best kept secret for rentals goes into much more depth.
Proximity Without the Pressure
The best part about the Amapas hills is that you aren't actually far away.
You might feel like you are in a remote jungle retreat, but you are literally minutes from the Los Muertos pier.
We can walk down to our favorite breakfast spot in less than ten minutes.
And when we are done with the beach clubs and the shopping, we just hop in a quick ride and we are back in our quiet heaven.
It removes the pressure of feeling like you have to be "on" all the time.
You can choose your level of interaction with the crowds.
Some days we stay on the hill all day, just reading and looking at the water.
Other days we are down in the thick of it from sunrise to sunset.
Having that choice is what makes a vacation truly relaxing.
Why We Endorse Amapas
If you are planning your next trip, we cannot recommend the Amapas hills enough!
It is, without a doubt, the best experience we have had in Puerto Vallarta.
The combination of the SPECTACULAR views, the incredible peace, and the modern condo rentals is unbeatable.
Don't settle for a noisy street-level room where you have to keep your curtains closed.
Head up the hill and see the bay for yourself!
You will fall in LOVE with the vibe just like we did.
Whether you choose a spot like Hummingbird or any of the other gems in the hills, you are going to have an AMAZING time.
We are so grateful for the times we have spent up there, and we can't wait to go back.
It is simply the best way to see our favorite city in Mexico!
If you want to see more photos of our favorite views and get more travel tips, make sure to follow our adventures on Instagram.
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