I have spent a lot of time exploring Puerto Vallarta, and Amapas remains my favorite place to rent when I want a calm home base with easy access to town.
If you are a first-time digital nomad, Amapas gives you a useful balance. You get a peaceful hillside setting, modern condos, tropical views, and a short walk or ride to Old Town, Zona Romantica, Los Muertos Beach, restaurants, and cafés.
The neighborhood also gives us room to settle into a comfortable routine without being surrounded by constant street noise.
First, understand the Amapas layout
Amapas sits on the hillside just south of Old Town. The streets rise quickly from the main road, and many condo buildings are tucked into green, winding lanes.
That elevation is what creates the views, but it also shapes your daily routine. Walking down toward the beach is usually straightforward. Walking back up after a long lunch or beach visit can feel like a proper workout.
I suggest downloading an offline map before you arrive. Amapas streets can look similar at first, and a map helps you understand which route is easiest for your building.
Los Muertos Beach is roughly a 10-to-15-minute walk from many parts of Amapas. Old Town is close as well, so you can reach restaurants, galleries, coffee shops, and local stores without needing a car every day.
Choose your condo around your workday
My first question for any remote-work stay is always the internet.
Do not rely only on a listing that says “high-speed Wi-Fi.” Ask for a recent speed-test screenshot from the actual condo. Also ask whether the connection uses fiber and where the router sits inside the unit.
A good work setup should include:
- A proper desk or comfortable table
- A supportive chair
- Strong natural light
- Easy access to power outlets
- Air conditioning in the workspace or living area
- A quiet bedroom for calls and rest
- A backup plan if the connection drops
I also like having a separate living area. It helps us keep work from taking over the entire condo, especially when two people are sharing the space.
Sueño is the kind of one-bedroom layout I look for because a condo with a full kitchen, balcony, strong Wi-Fi, and a separate living area makes a work trip feel much easier. The Nest also has the type of character that fits the Amapas setting, with a modern interior and local design details.
Plan for two different work modes
One of the best things about staying in Amapas is that I can change my surroundings without changing neighborhoods.
For focused work, I prefer staying inside the condo. I can start early, make coffee, open my laptop, and avoid losing time getting ready to leave. This works especially well for video calls or days with deadlines.
For lighter work, I like walking downhill into Old Town. The cafés there offer more background activity and make the day feel social. I usually choose a place where I can order a drink or a meal, work for a reasonable period, and avoid taking over a small table.
Amapas itself has fewer street-level work cafés than Old Town. That is not a problem for me, but it is something to know before booking. If you want to work from a café every day, Old Town may feel more convenient. If you want a quiet condo office with occasional café visits, Amapas is the better fit.
When I need a more structured workday, I use a short Uber or taxi ride to reach coworking options in other central areas. I do not need to do that often, but having the option is helpful for important calls or a change of pace.
Build a simple weekly routine
My ideal Amapas workweek looks something like this:
- Monday: Work from the condo and organize the week.
- Tuesday: Walk down to Old Town for coffee and errands.
- Wednesday: Use a café or coworking space for a different setting.
- Thursday: Work from the condo and take a longer neighborhood walk afterward.
- Friday: Finish early if possible and head toward the beach or dinner.
This kind of routine helps me enjoy Puerto Vallarta without treating every day like a sightseeing schedule.
If you are a solo traveller, you can use cafés, beach walks, and local events to meet people. If you are travelling with a partner, Amapas makes it easy to have productive time during the day and relaxed evenings together.
Groceries and everyday errands
Amapas has small shops and tiendas for basic items, cold drinks, snacks, and quick supplies. For a larger grocery run, I usually take a short ride to a bigger store and bring everything back at once.
That is easier than carrying heavy bags up the hill.
I also recommend stocking up on purified drinking water when you arrive. Many rentals provide a large water container, but I always confirm what is included before settling in.
A small first-day shopping list helps:
- Drinking water
- Coffee or tea
- Breakfast ingredients
- Fruit
- Snacks for work calls
- Laundry supplies
- Sunscreen
- Basic medication
- A few easy meals
The local markets around Old Town are useful for fresh ingredients and give us a chance to practice simple Spanish. “Buenos días,” “por favor,” and “gracias” go a long way.
Use walking, Uber, and taxis together
You do not need a car for most Amapas stays.
I walk downhill for the beach, cafés, restaurants, galleries, and many errands. I use Uber or a taxi for the return trip when the weather is hot, when I am carrying groceries, or when I am coming home late.
That combination is much more comfortable than forcing every trip to be on foot.
If you plan to explore the southern beaches, local buses and water taxis can also be useful. Ask your host about the closest pickup points because the best route depends on exactly where your condo sits on the hillside.
At night, I stay on well-used streets and choose a ride if I feel tired. Puerto Vallarta is generally welcoming and comfortable for visitors, but normal city awareness still matters.
What to discuss before booking
Amapas works very well for a shared stay, but we should talk through a few details before choosing a condo.
First, decide whether both people need to work at the same time. If the answer is yes, look for a separate desk area or enough room to create two comfortable workstations.
Second, talk about the hill. One person may love the daily walking while the other prefers using rides. It is better to agree on that before arrival.
Third, check the kitchen. We enjoy eating out, but preparing breakfast and a few simple meals at home makes the day easier.
Finally, ask about noise. Amapas is generally quieter than the busiest streets in Old Town, but tropical birds, neighborhood activity, and occasional construction are still part of local life.
Why I recommend Amapas for first-time nomads
Amapas is not completely flat, and it does not place every café directly outside your door. Those are the main trade-offs.
But the rewards are strong. We get a residential feel, modern condo spaces, greenery, quick access to Los Muertos Beach, and the energy of Old Town when we want it.
Most importantly, Amapas gives us a place where work and vacation can share the same routine. I can finish a call, close my laptop, walk downhill for coffee, and return to a quiet condo when I am ready to focus again.
For first-time digital nomads, Amapas is the best place to rent in Puerto Vallarta when you want peace, views, and walkable access to the heart of the city. I highly recommend it.
Related resources
- Our practical guide to working and staying in Amapas
- Our notes on why Amapas works so well for remote stays
- condos for rent in puerto vallarta
- rentals in puerto vallarta
- The PVkid homepage
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