After years of spending time in Puerto Vallarta and working from condos in Amapas, I have learned that packing for this neighborhood is different from packing for a simple beach break.
Amapas gives us warm weather, hillside streets, nearby beaches, and a quiet place to focus. But the hills, humidity, quick rain showers, and shared work setup for two all require a little planning.
This is the packing list I would use for a one-week Amapas workcation with my partner.
Start with the weather in mind
Amapas stays warm for much of the year, but the humidity can make ordinary clothing feel heavy. I pack breathable cotton, linen, and lightweight athletic fabrics that dry quickly and work for both daytime exploring and casual dinners.
For each person, I suggest:
- Three to five light tops
- Two or three pairs of shorts, skirts, or lightweight trousers
- One or two casual outfits for dinner
- Two swimsuits
- Two cover-ups or loose shirts
- Sleepwear made from a light fabric
- One thin sweater or long-sleeve shirt
- A compact rain shell, especially during the wetter months
Winter mornings can feel cooler before the day warms up, and indoor air conditioning can also feel chilly after a hot walk. A light layer takes up very little space but makes a big difference.
During the warmer and wetter months, rain can arrive quickly. I prefer a lightweight jacket that folds into a daypack rather than a heavy umbrella. A waterproof pouch for phones and documents is also useful.
Pack shoes for hills, stairs, and cobblestones
Amapas is beautiful, but the hillside streets are real. Some walks include steep sections, stairs, uneven pavement, and cobblestones. Comfortable footwear is one of the most important parts of this packing guide.
For each of us, I bring:
- One pair of supportive walking shoes or sneakers
- One pair of sandals with a secure strap and good grip
- Flip-flops for the beach or condo
- Water shoes if we plan to explore rocky shorelines or take a boat trip
I leave delicate shoes and anything with a slippery sole at home. Even a short walk can feel much longer when the pavement is uneven or the weather is humid.
A small backpack is more useful than a large shoulder bag. It keeps both hands free for stairs and carries water, sunscreen, a phone, and a light layer without feeling bulky.
From many parts of Amapas, we can walk down toward the beach and Old Town, also known as Zona Romantica. The walk back up is the part that makes good shoes especially valuable.
Build a work setup for two
When two people work from the same condo, small details matter. We do not need to pack a full office, but we do need enough equipment to avoid fighting over the only outlet or working all day from an uncomfortable chair.
Our basic work kit includes:
- Two laptops or tablets
- Chargers for every device
- One compact power strip or surge protector
- Two pairs of noise-canceling headphones
- A portable battery
- A small laptop stand
- A compact wireless mouse
- Cable ties or a tech organizer
- A phone with hotspot capability
- A notebook and two pens
A power strip is one of my favorite workcation items. The best table, chair, or balcony spot is not always close to a wall outlet. With one power strip, we can charge both laptops and our phones without rearranging the room.
I also pack a backup charging cable for each phone. Cables are easy to forget and surprisingly difficult to replace when we are in the middle of a workday.
Before arriving, we check the condo’s Wi-Fi details and ask whether there is a desk, dining table, or another comfortable work surface. A modern condo may have fast internet, but the actual chair and outlet layout still affect how comfortable the day feels.
Plan for shared work time
Packing the right gear helps, but a simple routine helps even more.
If both of us have calls, we use headphones and agree on quiet hours. If one person has a meeting, the other can work from the dining table, bedroom, or balcony. A small stand makes it easier to move one laptop without creating a permanent office in the main living area.
I also recommend packing one small item that makes work feel more personal. For me, that is a notebook. For someone else, it might be a favorite keyboard, a travel mouse, or a small desk lamp.
Do not bring every office accessory you own. Choose the items that solve a real problem and leave the rest at home.
Bring sun and humidity protection
Amapas is easy to enjoy when we protect ourselves from the heat. I pack these items in our day bag:
- High-SPF sunscreen
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- A lightweight hat
- Reusable water bottles
- Lip balm with sun protection
- Insect repellent
- Aloe or after-sun lotion
- A small pack of tissues
- Hand sanitizer
- Basic medication and personal prescriptions
I keep sunscreen and water accessible instead of buried at the bottom of the suitcase. We use them more often when they are easy to reach.
For medication, I bring what we need from home in original packaging. A small personal first-aid pouch with blister protection, pain relief, and basic stomach medication is also helpful after a long travel day.
Pack a simple beach and rain kit
A workcation still needs time away from the screen. We do not need to pack bulky beach equipment, but a few compact items make afternoons easier.
Our shared beach kit includes:
- One lightweight beach tote
- A quick-dry towel if the condo does not provide one
- A waterproof phone pouch
- A small dry bag for wet swimwear
- A reusable water bottle
- A small snack container
- Zip bags for sandy or damp clothing
I like packing one separate wet bag for each person. It keeps swimsuits away from laptops and dry clothes during the trip back to the condo.
A waterproof phone pouch is also useful during sudden rain, not just on boat trips. Amapas weather can change quickly, so I would rather protect our phones before the first raindrops arrive.
Bring only the condo supplies you actually need
Most vacation rentals provide basic kitchen and bathroom items, but I still pack a few small supplies for the first day.
I usually bring:
- A reusable coffee cup
- A small amount of coffee or tea for arrival
- Reusable food containers
- A few sealable bags
- Travel-size laundry detergent
- A small dish sponge if we plan to cook often
- A foldable grocery tote
- A bottle opener if we know the condo does not have one
I do not pack a full kitchen. Amapas has shops and delivery options nearby, so we can buy fresh items after settling in. The goal is simply to make the first breakfast, coffee, and grocery trip easier.
Before packing kitchen supplies, I ask the host what is already included. This prevents us from carrying duplicates and leaves more space for comfortable clothing.
Use this one-week checklist
For a one-week stay, this is the compact list I would use per person:
- Three to five tops
- Two or three bottoms
- One dinner outfit
- Two swimsuits
- Two cover-ups
- One light layer
- One rain shell
- One pair of walking shoes
- One pair of secure sandals
- Sleepwear
- Hat and sunglasses
- Laptop and charger
- Headphones
- Power bank
- Personal medication
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Passport, cards, and travel documents
For the shared suitcase or day bag, add the power strip, first-aid pouch, dry bag, reusable bags, and one compact beach towel if needed.
My final Amapas packing advice
Pack for movement, not just for photographs. Comfortable shoes, breathable clothing, reliable work gear, and a light rain layer will serve us much better than extra outfits.
Amapas is the best place to rent when we want quiet workdays, hillside views, nearby beaches, and easy access to Old Town. The right condo supplies and a simple two-person work routine make the stay feel much easier from the first day.
If you are planning a couple’s workcation in Puerto Vallarta, Amapas is highly recommended.
Related resources
- puerto vallarta rentals by owner : See Hummingbird for a compact condo option for two.
- puerto vallarta condo rentals : Explore Vizcarra 1 for a central studio setup with work-friendly features.
- Our practical guide to Amapas for digital nomads
- Our earlier packing guide for remote workers in Amapas
- Follow our latest travel ideas on Instagram.
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