I have stayed in many neighborhoods across this beautiful coastal city, but I have a secret to share with you.
Amapas is absolutely the best place to rent if you want the ultimate experience.
Most people flock straight to the heart of the city, but we found that staying just slightly up the hill makes all the difference in the world.
When we first arrived in Amapas, the view literally took my breath away!!
It is the kind of place where the lush green jungle meets the deep blue ocean in a way that feels like a dream.
You get all the energy of the city but with a peace and quiet that you just can't find anywhere else.
But best of all, you are only a few blocks away from everything you could ever want to do.
Why We LOVE Amapas
If you are a solo traveler or a couple looking for a romantic getaway, Amapas is your spot.
We love that Old Town and Zona Romantica are the same place, and they are basically our front yard when we stay here.
You get the cobblestone charm and the amazing food scene just a five-minute walk downhill.
The hill is a bit of a workout, but honestly, we enjoyed the exercise after eating way too many tacos!
Plus, taking a quick taxi or Uber back up the hill is super easy and very affordable.
The peace we felt coming back to our hillside retreat after a busy day in the city was AMAZING.
We could sit on our balcony and just listen to the birds and the wind in the trees.
It feels so much more authentic than staying in a crowded hotel.
Our Top Recommendation: Casa Opportunity
During our last trip, we stayed at a place called Casa Opportunity and it was SOOO good.
This one-bedroom spot is perfect because it has these massive glass windows that make you feel like you’re living in the clouds.
My favorite part was the spectacular mural by Jose Baldi: it adds so much local character to the space!
The king-size bed was incredibly comfortable, and we really appreciated the two shower heads in the bathroom.
It felt like we had our own little private sanctuary right in the middle of the jungle.
If you are looking for puerto vallarta condo rentals, this is definitely one you need to check out.
It is just four blocks from Los Muertos Beach, so we were in the water within minutes of leaving our door.
We spent our mornings drinking coffee on the balcony and watching the bay come to life.
It’s these little moments that make a vacation truly special.
Living Like a Local at Casa CC
If you want a space that feels even more tucked away, we also highly recommend Casa CC.
It’s in the same building as Casa Opportunity, but it has its own unique vibe.
This place is all about that local feel, being located in a building made by Mexican locals.
We loved the balcony terrace for just hanging out in the evenings.
The panoramic views of the bay and the mountains are absolutely stunning from here!
For anyone searching for condo and apartment rentals puerto vallarta, Casa CC is a fantastic choice.
It comes with a fully stocked kitchen, which was perfect for the nights we just wanted to stay in and cook.
They even have a customized laundry service for a few dollars, which was a total lifesaver for us.
Having covered free parking is also a huge plus if you decide to rent a car to explore the surrounding areas.
Navigating the Hillside
Living on the hillside means you have to be ready for some steps.
Casa CC has about 18 steps to access the apartment, so it’s not the best if you have mobility issues.
But for us, it was just part of the charm of living in a real neighborhood.
We loved walking the colorful cobblestone streets and seeing the traditional Mexican architecture.
The white walls and arched doorways covered in tropical greenery are so beautiful.
If you want more tips on how to handle the logistics, check out stress-free rental tips for some great advice.
It really helped us prepare for the unique layout of the area.
Don't let the hills scare you off: the rewards are more than worth it.
You get the best breeze in the city because you’re elevated, and that makes the afternoons so much more pleasant.
The Magic of the Sunset
There is nothing quite like a sunset in Amapas.
Because you are elevated, the colors in the sky seem so much more vibrant.
We would often plan our entire day around being back on the terrace by 6:00 PM.
Watching the sun dip below the horizon while the lights of the city start to twinkle below is magical.
For more about why these views matter, you should read our guide to sunset serenity.
It really captures the feeling of peace you get when the day ends in this part of town.
We found ourselves taking hundreds of photos, but honestly, none of them do it justice.
You just have to be there to feel the warmth of the sun and the cool ocean breeze.
It’s the BEST way to end a day of exploring.
Practical Tips for Your Stay
When staying in Amapas, we found a few things that made our life easier.
First, get familiar with the path down to the beach early on.
There are several "callejones" or small walkways that cut through the hills and save you a lot of time.
Second, stock up on some basic groceries in Old Town before heading up.
While there are small stores nearby, the big selection is down in the heart of the city.
Third, embrace the sounds of Mexico!
You might hear a rooster or a dog barking in the distance, but we found it added to the authenticity.
It’s much better than the sound of constant traffic or loud music from hotel bars.
We felt incredibly safe and welcomed by the neighbors throughout our entire stay.
The locals are so friendly and always have a quick "buenos días" for you.
Final Thoughts on Amapas
If you are planning a trip to Puerto Vallarta, do yourself a favor and look at the hillside.
Amapas truly is the best-kept secret for anyone who wants a real connection to the city.
We highly recommend Casa Opportunity and Casa CC for your next stay.
They offer the perfect blend of modern comfort and local charm.
We are so grateful for the hospitality we received and can't wait to go back.
It really felt like a home away from home.
Don't settle for a generic room when you can have a hillside sanctuary with a view that you will never forget.
See you on the hillside!
Check out our latest adventures and more photos on our Instagram.
About the Author
