I've been coming to Puerto Vallarta for years, and I can honestly say that Amapas has become my go-to neighborhood whenever I need to escape the noise but still stay close to everything.
It's funny how most tourists flock straight to the Romantic Zone or the hotel strip, thinking those are the only options. But I've learned that the real magic happens when you climb just a little higher into the hills.
The Perfect Location (Seriously)
Amapas sits right between the Romantic Zone and Conchas Chinas. You're literally a 10-minute walk from Los Muertos Beach and all the restaurants and bars down there, but you get to come home to peace and quiet.
I love that I can head down for breakfast, spend the afternoon exploring Old Town, and then climb back up the hill to total tranquility. No late-night bar noise. No crowds walking past my balcony. Just the sound of the ocean below and maybe some birds in the morning.
The cobblestone streets wind up the hillside, and every turn gives you these incredible views of Banderas Bay. I'm not exaggerating when I say the sunsets from up here are absolutely stunning.
Why I Choose Amapas Every Single Time
Here's the thing about this neighborhood: it feels like the real Puerto Vallarta. You're not stuck in some tourist bubble with chain restaurants and cookie-cutter hotels.
The streets are lined with colorful Mexican buildings. You'll see local families walking to the tienditas. There are small taco stands that tourists never find. It's authentic without being remote.
When I'm looking at rental property in puerto vallarta mexico, Amapas is always my first choice. The properties here tend to have character. They're built into the hillside with these amazing terraces and views that you just don't get anywhere else.
Plus, the area is super safe. Most properties are in gated communities or have secure parking. I've walked around at all hours and never felt uncomfortable. That peace of mind is worth everything to me.
Walkable But Not Crowded
One of my favorite things about staying in Amapas is that I can walk to everything I want, but I'm not constantly surrounded by people.
Need groceries? There's a little market at the bottom of the hill. Want to hit the beach? It's right there. Craving fish tacos at midnight? The Romantic Zone is just down the street.
But when you come back up the hill, it's like entering a different world. The crowds disappear. The noise fades away. You get your own private sanctuary with all the convenience of being in the heart of everything.
I've stayed in places where you absolutely need a car to get anywhere, and honestly, that gets old fast. I've also stayed right in the middle of the action where you can't sleep because of the noise. Amapas is the sweet spot right in between.
The Beach Situation
Los Muertos Beach is the main beach everyone uses, and it's great. But here's a secret: if you walk just a bit south from Amapas, you'll find Playa Las Amapas.
This smaller beach is so much quieter than Los Muertos. The water is calmer. There are fewer vendors walking around. I've spent entire mornings there with just a handful of other people on the sand.
The snorkeling is actually pretty decent too. Nothing like the islands, but you'll see some colorful fish near the rocks. I usually grab my mask and just float around for an hour or so.
When I want the energy and beach clubs of Los Muertos, I go there. When I want peace, I head to Las Amapas. Having both options within walking distance is perfect.
My Typical Day in Amapas
I wake up to the view of the bay. I make coffee on my balcony and just sit there for like an hour watching the boats and the pelicans.
Then I walk down the hill to grab some breakfast tacos from one of the street stands. Maybe I'll hit the beach for a couple hours. By early afternoon, I'm usually back at the condo because it's HOT and I need the shade and a cold drink.
Late afternoon, I'll walk down to the Romantic Zone for dinner or drinks. The pier is gorgeous at sunset. After that, I head back up to my quiet spot in Amapas and relax.
That's the routine. And I never get tired of it because I'm getting the best of both worlds: the action when I want it and the peace when I need it.
The Properties Are Incredible
I've rented everything from small studios to big villas in Amapas, and honestly, the quality is just better up here.
The old town puerto vallarta condo rentals has to offer are in this neighborhood. They're designed to take advantage of those hillside views. Big windows. Open floor plans. Terraces that feel like they're floating over the bay.
A lot of the properties are owned by expats who've put real love into them. You can tell the difference between a place someone actually cares about and a basic rental unit.
The attention to detail matters. Good beds. Well-equipped kitchens. Thoughtful touches like local artwork and comfortable outdoor furniture. When you're paying for a vacation rental, these things make all the difference.
Who Should Stay in Amapas?
Honestly? Pretty much anyone who doesn't need to be directly on the beach or right in the middle of the nightlife.
If you're a couple looking for romance, this is your spot. The views alone are worth it, and you've got all the privacy you want.
Families love it because it's safe and quiet but still convenient. Kids can run around without constant noise, and parents can actually relax.
Solo travelers (like me, half the time) appreciate the security and the fact that you can walk everywhere during the day but come home to a peaceful space at night.
The only people I wouldn't recommend Amapas to are those who absolutely need to roll out of bed and onto the sand, or party animals who want to stumble home at 3 AM without a hill climb. For everyone else, this is the perfect base.
Getting Around
You don't need a car, but having one does make life easier if you want to explore beyond the immediate area.
That said, taxis and Uber are super cheap and reliable in Puerto Vallarta. I've never had trouble getting a ride up or down the hill. The drivers all know the neighborhood well.
If you're in decent shape, the walk down to the Romantic Zone is actually pleasant. Coming back up is a bit of a workout, especially in the heat, but I just think of it as earning my next margarita.
Some properties have parking if you do decide to rent a car. Just make sure to check before you book because not all of them do.
My Bottom Line
After trying just about every neighborhood in Puerto Vallarta, Amapas is where I keep coming back.
It's that rare combination of convenience and tranquility. You're close enough to walk to everything but far enough to actually relax. The properties are beautiful. The views are unbeatable. And the neighborhood itself has genuine character.
If you're searching for a puerto vallarta old town condo rentals, do yourself a favor and look in Amapas first. It's my secret spot, and honestly, it should be yours too.
This neighborhood just works. Whether you're here for a week or a month, you'll find that perfect balance of adventure and rest that makes a vacation actually feel like a vacation.
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