I have spent plenty of time working from Puerto Vallarta rentals, and I have learned that a beautiful view is not enough for a successful work trip. For couples and digital nomads, the right Amapas condo needs to support real workdays as well as relaxed evenings.
Amapas is my favorite place to rent in Puerto Vallarta because it gives us a calmer hillside setting while keeping Old Town, cafés, restaurants, and the beach within easy reach. The streets are hilly, but that is part of the neighborhood’s character. With the right checklist, a week here can feel smooth from the first work call to the final laptop close.
1. Check the Wi-Fi before you book
Internet is the first thing I check.
Do not rely only on a listing that says “fast Wi-Fi.” Ask for a recent speed test taken inside the condo. If both people will be working, confirm the download and upload speeds, ask whether the connection is fiber, and find out if the signal reaches the bedroom and balcony.
For video calls, file uploads, and shared online work, I prefer a connection that feels steady rather than one that is simply advertised as fast. An Ethernet port is also helpful if one of you needs the most reliable connection possible.
I also save important files for offline access before arriving. That small step helps if the router needs to be restarted or if there is a short interruption.
2. Look for a proper workspace
A dining table can work for a week, but the chair and table height matter more than many people expect.
Before booking, I look for:
- A sturdy desk or dining table
- A comfortable chair with back support
- Enough room for two laptops
- Nearby outlets
- Good daylight without direct glare
- Space to keep work materials organized
If one person has meetings while the other is working quietly, two separate work zones are even better. One of us might work at the table while the other uses a desk or a comfortable corner of the living area.
I try not to work from the bed. It feels convenient for the first hour, but it quickly makes the whole condo feel like an office. Keeping the bedroom for rest makes it easier to switch off at the end of the day.
3. Confirm the air conditioning
Puerto Vallarta is warm and humid, and a hot room can make even simple work feel tiring.
I always confirm that air conditioning is available where we work and where we sleep. A ceiling fan is useful, too, especially when we want air movement without keeping the AC running constantly.
I also check whether the windows have curtains or blinds. A bright room is wonderful, but direct glare on a screen can make calls and long reading sessions uncomfortable.
The goal is a workspace that feels cool, quiet, and easy to use for several hours at a time.
4. Make sure the condo works for two people
Couples need to discuss their work routines before the trip.
Do you both have calls at the same time? Does one person need quiet while the other prefers background music? Will one of you work earlier while the other sleeps longer?
I find it helpful to agree on a few simple rules:
- Use headphones during calls.
- Keep one shared area clear for meals.
- Set quiet periods for important meetings.
- Take breaks together when possible.
- Close the laptops at an agreed time.
This makes a small condo feel much more comfortable. It also prevents one person from feeling like they are interrupting the other all day.
In Hummingbird, the open layout and dedicated desk make it easier to separate work from rest. Vizcarra 1 is a compact studio, so it works best when two people are comfortable sharing one space and keeping their setup organized.
5. Pack a small remote-work kit
I bring more than just my laptop.
My one-week work kit usually includes:
- Laptop and charging cable
- Headphones with a microphone
- Phone and backup charging cable
- Compact power bank
- Universal travel adapter
- Small notebook and pen
- Laptop stand or foldable riser
- Comfortable mouse
- Backup mobile data
- Any work VPN or security details
A laptop stand is especially useful if the condo has a table but not an office-style desk. It helps raise the screen and makes long work sessions more comfortable.
I also download the apps I need before traveling. If you use two-factor authentication, check that your phone can receive verification codes while you are in Mexico.
6. Ask about power and create a backup plan
Power is usually part of everyday life in Puerto Vallarta, but remote workers should still prepare for a short interruption.
I ask the host whether the router has a backup battery and where the electrical outlets are located. If I have an important meeting, I keep my laptop charged and have mobile data ready on my phone.
A simple backup plan looks like this:
- Charge the laptop the night before.
- Keep the phone above 50 percent.
- Save the host’s contact information.
- Know which nearby café can serve as a temporary workspace.
- Keep a power bank within reach.
This is not complicated, but it removes a lot of stress when an important call is on the calendar.
7. Check the kitchen basics
A kitchen makes a one-week work trip much easier.
I like having a coffee maker, refrigerator, microwave, basic cookware, sharp knives, glasses, and enough dishes for two people. A blender is useful for quick breakfasts and cold drinks, but it is not essential.
We usually keep easy food available for busy days:
- Fruit
- Yogurt
- Bread or tortillas
- Eggs
- Cheese
- Nuts
- Sandwich ingredients
- Cold water
- Simple snacks
When we work from a condo, we do not have to stop everything whenever hunger hits. One person can prepare something quick while the other finishes a call.
8. Plan around Amapas hills
Amapas is walkable, but the hills are real.
I enjoy walking down toward Old Town for coffee, lunch, or a change of scenery. The walk back can feel more demanding after a long workday, especially in warm weather, so I plan accordingly.
Comfortable shoes are essential. I also keep water with me and use a rideshare when we are carrying groceries, finishing late, or simply want an easier trip home.
The best part is that we can choose our pace. We can work quietly in the condo, walk down for a short break, and return whenever we want. That balance is one reason Amapas remains the best place to rent for our remote-work stays.
9. Choose a backup work location
Even when the condo is excellent, working in the same room every day can feel repetitive.
Before arriving, I make a short list of nearby cafés with:
- Reliable Wi-Fi
- Comfortable seating
- Power outlets
- Enough space for a laptop
- A calm atmosphere during work hours
I do not treat a café as my main office unless I know the staff welcomes longer visits. I order something, keep my setup small, and avoid taking calls when the space is busy.
A change of scenery for one or two hours can improve focus. It also gives us a chance to experience more of the neighborhood without turning the whole day into an excursion.
10. Protect the end of your workday
The final checklist item is simple: decide when work ends.
At the end of the day, I close the laptop, put the charger away, clear the table, and change into comfortable clothes. If we have been working separately, we reconnect before heading out.
A short walk through Amapas is a great transition. The colorful buildings, tropical plants, and quiet side streets make it easy to remember why we came to Puerto Vallarta in the first place.
We might walk down toward Old Town for dinner, prepare something simple in the condo, or sit together and talk without screens. That separation helps the week feel like a vacation instead of a normal workweek in a different location.
My final Amapas condo checklist
Before confirming a condo, I ask:
- Is the Wi-Fi speed recently verified?
- Does the signal reach the work area and bedroom?
- Is there a sturdy table or desk?
- Are the chairs comfortable enough for full work sessions?
- Is AC available in the work and sleeping areas?
- Are there enough outlets?
- Is the kitchen properly equipped?
- Is filtered drinking water available?
- Is the building entry secure?
- Do we understand the stairs and hills around the property?
- Do we have a backup plan for power or internet interruptions?
- Can we create separate quiet time during calls?
For couples and digital nomads, these details matter more than a long list of decorative features. A clean, practical condo with dependable Wi-Fi, good AC, a usable workspace, and easy access to daily essentials can make the whole week feel easier.
Amapas gives us the best mix of calm, local character, walkability, and access to Puerto Vallarta. If you choose carefully and prepare for the practical details, a week of remote work here can be productive, comfortable, and genuinely enjoyable. I highly recommend Amapas for couples and digital nomads who want to work well without giving up the feeling of being on vacation.
Related resources
- puerto vallarta mexico condo rentals
- condo rentals in puerto vallarta
- our practical guide to staying in Amapas as a digital nomad
- where couples can eat and work around Amapas
- say hello on Facebook
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