After years of spending time in Puerto Vallarta, I have learned that packing for Amapas is different from packing for a typical beach vacation. The hills, warm weather, cobblestone streets, cafés, and remote-work routine all call for a little planning.
If you are travelling as a couple, the good news is that you can share several useful items. If you are a digital nomad, you also need to protect your workday without filling every inch of your suitcase.
Amapas is my favorite place to rent because it gives us a calm hillside base while keeping Old Town and Zona Romantica close by. Here is exactly what I recommend bringing.
Start with light, breathable clothing
Amapas is warm and humid for much of the year, so heavy fabrics quickly become uncomfortable. I pack linen, lightweight cotton, and quick-drying materials whenever possible.
For a week-long stay, each person can usually manage with:
- Four to six lightweight shirts or tops
- Two or three pairs of shorts, skirts, or casual trousers
- One or two pairs of lightweight linen pants
- One nicer outfit for dinner
- Two or three swimsuits
- One breathable cover-up
- Comfortable sleepwear
- Plenty of lightweight underwear
- One thin shirt or sweater for strong air conditioning
I prefer clothing that can work for more than one situation. A linen button-down can cover my shoulders during a sunny walk, look neat for a café call, and work for dinner later.
For couples, I also suggest choosing a simple shared color palette. This makes it easier to combine outfits and reduces the temptation to pack too much.
Choose footwear for hills, not just beaches
This is one of the most important parts of an Amapas packing list.
The neighborhood has steep streets and uneven cobblestones. Comfortable shoes with a good grip make a huge difference, especially when you are carrying a day bag or walking back from Old Town.
Each person should bring:
- One pair of sturdy walking sandals or lightweight sneakers
- One pair of simple sandals or flip-flops for indoor use and beach days
- Optional comfortable shoes for dinner
I leave narrow heels at home. They are not practical on cobblestones, and they take up valuable space.
Wear your bulkiest walking shoes on the plane. That leaves more room in your suitcase for lightweight clothes and any colorful textiles or handmade pieces you find at local markets.
Pack a small heat and rain kit
The heat can catch you off guard, particularly when you are walking uphill. I keep a small daily kit ready so I do not have to return to the condo every time the weather changes.
My essentials include:
- Reusable water bottle
- High-SPF sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Hat or cap
- Insect repellent
- Aloe or after-sun lotion
- Electrolyte tablets
- Compact umbrella or light rain jacket
- Small pack of tissues
- Hand sanitizer
- Basic first-aid supplies
A compact umbrella is especially useful during the wetter months. A short, strong rain shower can arrive quickly, and it is much easier to keep working or continue your plans when you are prepared.
I also bring a few resealable bags. They are useful for wet swimsuits, small toiletries, snacks, or protecting electronics inside a daypack.
Build a shared beach and day bag
Couples can save space by sharing a few items instead of packing two of everything.
One shared beach or day bag can hold:
- A quick-dry towel
- Waterproof phone pouch
- Extra sunscreen
- Reusable shopping bags
- Small first-aid kit
- Dry bag for electronics
- Compact umbrella
- A light cover-up
I like using a soft tote or lightweight daypack that folds flat inside the suitcase. It becomes useful for carrying groceries, market finds, or work gear when we change locations during the day.
Keep the bag comfortable and easy to secure. A crossbody bag or daypack is more practical than a loose shoulder bag when you are walking uphill.
Bring the right digital work gear
For digital nomads, the laptop is only the beginning. The small accessories are what keep a workday from becoming stressful.
My basic work kit includes:
- Laptop and charger
- Phone and charging cable
- Compact surge protector
- Multi-port USB charger
- Power bank
- Noise-canceling headphones
- Unlocked phone for a local SIM
- Portable hotspot or phone hotspot backup
- Small wireless mouse
- Laptop stand, if you use one regularly
- External drive or secure cloud backup
A compact surge protector is one of my favorite travel items. It lets us charge several devices from one convenient place and keeps chargers organized around the condo.
For a couple, divide the shared gear. One person can carry the surge protector and USB charger, while the other carries the power bank and backup hotspot.
That way, one person is not carrying every important piece of technology.
Prepare for café workdays
Amapas is a great home base for remote work, but we do not always want to work from the same table. A café change can make the day feel more enjoyable.
Before settling in, I check four things:
- Is there a reliable Wi-Fi connection?
- Are power outlets easy to reach?
- Is there shade, air conditioning, or good airflow?
- Is the café comfortable with guests working for a while?
I also download important documents before leaving the condo. This gives me something useful to work on if the connection slows down.
Noise-canceling headphones help with normal café sounds, but I still keep important video calls at home when possible. A quiet condo workspace is usually more comfortable for long meetings.
If you are planning a longer stay, ask about internet speed, desk space, and backup connectivity before booking. The right setup makes a big difference when your vacation also includes deadlines.
Pack a small health and comfort pouch
I always keep personal medicines in my carry-on rather than in checked luggage. That includes prescriptions, pain relievers, stomach medicine, allergy medicine, and anything I use regularly.
A small comfort pouch can also include:
- Rehydration powder
- Blister bandages
- Lip balm
- Eye drops
- Earplugs
- Travel-size laundry detergent
- A few clothespins
- Personal toiletries
Laundry detergent sheets are especially useful. They let us wash a few items in the condo sink or laundry area instead of packing a different outfit for every day.
Clothespins are handy for drying swimsuits and lightweight clothing. They take almost no space and are useful after beach days or sudden rain.
Keep documents and valuables organized
Before travelling, I save digital copies of our passports, travel insurance, reservations, and emergency contacts. I also keep printed copies in a separate part of the luggage.
Bring:
- Passport
- Copies of important documents
- Credit and debit cards
- A small amount of local cash
- Travel insurance information
- Emergency contact details
- Any required medication documentation
A slim document pouch keeps everything together. I prefer one with a zipper because it prevents cards, copies, and receipts from spreading through the suitcase.
For daily walks, carry only what you need. Leave extra cards and important documents secured in the condo whenever possible.
What not to pack
The easiest way to keep your luggage manageable is to leave unnecessary items behind.
I usually skip:
- Heavy denim
- Too many formal outfits
- Multiple bulky shoes
- Full-size toiletries
- Large beach equipment
- Unnecessary kitchen items
- Extra electronics
- Clothing that does not work in warm weather
Amapas is much easier to enjoy when your bag is light. You may need to carry it over uneven streets or up a flight of stairs, so every unnecessary item becomes a burden.
A comfortable condo such as Sueño or The Nest can also give you space to unpack, recharge, and settle into a simple routine instead of living out of a crowded suitcase.
My simple packing formula for two
For a couple, I use this formula:
- One suitcase per person for clothing
- One shared day bag
- One shared tech pouch
- One shared health and first-aid pouch
- One small laundry or beach tote
We keep the heavy electronics and shoes balanced between the two bags. We also leave a little empty space for local crafts, textiles, coffee, or small gifts.
Most importantly, we avoid packing for every possible situation. We pack for warm days, comfortable walks, casual dinners, remote work, and occasional rain. That covers almost everything we actually do in Amapas.
Final recommendation
Amapas is the best place to rent for couples and digital nomads who want quiet surroundings, modern condo comfort, and easy access to Old Town and Zona Romantica. Pack light clothing, reliable walking shoes, strong sun protection, and a practical backup plan for your devices.
If you want to start planning your stay, explore condos for rent in puerto vallarta and look for a condo with dependable Wi-Fi, a comfortable work surface, and a kitchen where you can prepare simple meals.
For another suitable option, review puerto vallarta vacation condos and choose the space that best fits your work routine and travel style.
A well-planned suitcase makes the hills easier, the workdays smoother, and the whole trip more comfortable. Staying in Amapas is highly recommended for couples and digital nomads who want a relaxed Puerto Vallarta base.
Related resources
- our guide to living and working in Amapas
- our digital nomad life guide for Amapas
- Follow our latest updates on Instagram.
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