I've stayed in a lot of neighborhoods in Puerto Vallarta over the years. Old Town is great: don't get me wrong. The cobblestone streets, the restaurants, the energy. I love it.
But Amapas? That's where my heart is.
There's something about this neighborhood that just gets me every single time. It's not just one thing. It's the views, the peace, the convenience, the vibe. It all adds up to the best place I've ever stayed in PV.
The Views Are Out of This World
Let me start with the obvious: the views from Amapas are absolutely incredible.
The neighborhood is built up into the hillside, which means you're elevated above the bay. And the sunsets? They're SPECTACULAR.
I'm talking about those golden hour moments where the sky turns pink and orange and purple, and the whole bay lights up. You get Banderas Bay stretching out in front of you, the ocean waves, sometimes even boats dotting the water.
Every single morning I wake up in Amapas, I walk out onto my balcony with my coffee and just stare. It never gets old.
The research says Amapas has the best sunset views in the entire Banderas Bay region, and I believe it. I've seen sunsets from all over PV, and nothing compares to watching them from up in these hills.
Close to Everything, But Away From the Chaos
Here's what I love most about Amapas: you're super close to all the action, but you don't have to deal with the noise and crowds.
Zona Romantica is literally a 5-minute walk or drive down the hill. You've got Los Muertos Beach, all the restaurants, the galleries, the pier. It's all RIGHT there.
But when you head back up to Amapas at the end of the day, it's peaceful. Quiet. You're not hearing street noise or tourists partying until 3 AM.
It's the best of both worlds.
I can walk down to grab dinner or hit the beach in the morning, but I also get to retreat to my own little sanctuary up in the hills. That balance is everything for me.
The Beach Access is Perfect
Los Muertos Beach is the most popular beach in Puerto Vallarta, and it's basically your backyard when you stay in Amapas.
Some of the condo rentals puerto vallarta properties in the neighborhood have direct or semi-private beach access, which is amazing. You can literally walk down a path and be on the sand in minutes.
The beach itself is iconic. The pier, the beach clubs, the vendors selling fresh fruit. It's got everything you need without feeling overwhelming.
And because you're staying up in Amapas, you get the beach experience without living right on top of it. That separation makes a huge difference when you want to relax after a beach day.
Safe, Welcoming, and Cosmopolitan
I travel solo a lot, and safety is always on my mind.
Amapas feels really safe. It's quiet, well-maintained, and there's a strong expat community that gives it a welcoming, cosmopolitan vibe.
I've walked around the neighborhood at night, and I always feel comfortable. The streets are well-lit, and you see other people out enjoying the evening.
The expat presence also means you get this mix of local Mexican culture and international influence. You'll find English-speaking neighbors, but you're still very much in Mexico. It's the perfect blend.
The Condo Quality is Just Better
I've stayed in a lot of vacation rentals around PV, and the quality in Amapas is consistently higher.
The condos here are modern, well-maintained, and designed to take full advantage of those views. Floor-to-ceiling windows, big balconies, open-concept living spaces. They're built for the environment.
You'll find amenities like pools, concierge services, and private parking. The buildings are well-managed, and the units are clean and comfortable.
When I look at puerto vallarta condo rentals, I always check Amapas first. The quality-to-value ratio is unbeatable.
It's Not Too Far From the Airport
One thing people don't always think about: how far you are from the airport.
Amapas is about 30 minutes from the PV airport, which is perfect. It's not so far that you're dreading the drive, but you're also not right under the flight path.
After a long travel day, I appreciate being able to get to my condo quickly. And when it's time to leave, the airport run is easy and stress-free.
Why I Choose Amapas Over Old Town
I know some people swear by Old Town (or Zona Romantica: same place, different name). And I get it. The energy down there is electric.
But for me, Amapas wins every time.
Old Town is perfect if you want to be right in the middle of everything. But if you want that same access with more peace, better views, and a more residential feel, Amapas is where it's at.
I need my downtime. I need quiet mornings and peaceful evenings. And I still want to be close enough to walk to dinner or hit the beach whenever I want.
Amapas gives me all of that.
The Neighborhood Has Character
Walking around Amapas, you'll notice the houses and condos are all different. Some are super modern, some are more traditional Mexican architecture. There's art on the walls, gardens overflowing with tropical plants, little hidden pathways.
It feels like a real neighborhood, not just a tourist zone.
There are local tiendas where you can grab snacks, and you'll see neighbors walking their dogs or chatting on their balconies. It's lived-in and authentic, which I love.
My Personal Recommendation
If you're planning a trip to Puerto Vallarta and trying to decide where to stay, I HIGHLY recommend Amapas.
It's hands-down my favorite neighborhood in the entire city. The combination of stunning views, beach access, proximity to Old Town, safety, and quality condos is unbeatable.
I've had friends ask me where they should stay, and I always say the same thing: start with Amapas. You won't regret it.
Whether you're a solo traveler like me, a couple looking for a romantic getaway, or a family who wants space and comfort, Amapas has something for everyone.
I wrote more about finding the perfect spot in How to Find a Puerto Vallarta Rentals Condo with the Best Amapas Views, and if you're curious about other neighborhoods, check out The Magic of Old Town Puerto Vallarta Condo Rentals: My Personal Experience.
But honestly? Amapas is where it's at.
It's my go-to, my happy place, my favorite corner of Puerto Vallarta. And I think once you experience it for yourself, it'll be yours too.
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