We’ve been doing this for a while. We live here, we walk these streets a ton, and we’ve helped friends figure out where to stay without overthinking it.
We have spent so much time walking these cobblestone streets that we practically know every single corner by heart. When people ask us for advice on finding the perfect place to stay, we always tell them the same thing: it is all about the neighborhood. Puerto Vallarta is a big place with a lot of different vibes, but if you want the real experience, you have to stay where the soul of the city is.
We love living here because every day feels like a new adventure, and having a great home base makes all the difference.
If you are a puerto vallarta digital nomad (or even just working a little on your trip), the right setup matters fast.
Finding the right apartments for rent in puerto vallarta can feel like a lot at first. But we’ll break it down like we would for our best friends.
For us, the search always starts and ends on the south side of town. It is where the jungle meets the ocean, and where you can actually feel the magic of Mexico. We’ve lived in a few different spots, and we’ve learned exactly what makes a rental great and what to avoid.
Why We Always Choose the South Side
When we first moved here, we explored everywhere. We looked at the Marina and the Hotel Zone, but they just didn't have that "home" feeling we were looking for. They felt a bit too much like a standard vacation spot anywhere else in the world.
We wanted the sounds of the roosters in the morning and the smell of fresh tortillas from the shop down the street. That is why we tell everyone to look at Old Town (Zona Romantica) and Amapas. These areas are the heart and soul of the city.
Old Town (Zona Romantica) is where everything happens. It is busy, it is loud, it is vibrant, and it is AMAZING!! You are steps from taco stands, little markets, bars, and the pier for that classic evening walk.
Our Top Pick: The Magic of Amapas
If you want our honest opinion on the absolute best place to stay, it is Amapas. We LOVE Amapas so much!! It is right next to Old Town, so you get all the convenience, but it feels like a private tropical escape.
The reason we think Amapas is the best place to rent is the peace and quiet you get while still being able to walk to the beach in five minutes. It is slightly elevated, so the views of the bay are just incredible. Looking out over the water while the sun sets is our favorite part of the day.
In Amapas, the air feels a little fresher because you are surrounded by so much greenery. It’s like living in a treehouse but with all the comforts of a modern home. If you are looking for condo rentals that offer a bit of serenity without being far from the party, this is the spot. We highly recommend looking here first!
What to Look for in a Rental
When we are checking out a new place, there are a few things we always look for. First of all, the kitchen. Even if you plan on eating out every night, having a great space to make coffee and store your fruit is essential.
We’ve stayed in places with tiny, cramped kitchens and it really changes the vibe.
You want something open and airy.
We stayed at this gorgeous spot called Sueño and the layout works great for coffee in the morning and easy snacks at night.
Air conditioning is another big one. Even if you love the heat, having a cool bedroom to retreat to at night is a lifesaver. We always check to make sure the units are modern and quiet. Nothing ruins a good night’s sleep like a loud, rattling fan.
Also: test the Wi‑Fi the second you arrive. We do a quick speed check, then we stream something for five minutes. It tells you the truth.
The Importance of the View
You are in Puerto Vallarta, so you need a view! There is nothing better than waking up and seeing the blue of the Banderas Bay right from your window. It reminds you every single morning that you are in paradise.
We always look for floor-to-ceiling windows or big sliding glass doors that let the outside in. When the breeze blows through the living room, it is the best feeling in the world.
We recently saw a place with a massive balcony that overlooked the hills and the ocean simultaneously. It was so beautiful it didn't even feel real. That kind of connection to the landscape is why we keep coming back to these specific neighborhoods.
Walking Everywhere is the Goal
One of our favorite things about staying in Old Town or Amapas is that we rarely ever need a car. We walk to the morning market, walk to the beach, and walk back home after a late dinner.
The streets are full of life. You’ll see local artists painting, dogs napping in doorways, and neighbors chatting over their fences. It’s a community. If you are a solo traveller, this is the best way to feel safe and connected to the city. You’ll start recognizing faces within just a few days!
We wrote more about this in our post about our favorite walking loops. It’s the easiest way to find little food spots you’d never see from a taxi.
Finding Your Quiet Space
While we love the energy of the city, we also need a place that feels like a sanctuary. That is why we are so picky about the bedrooms in the apartments for rent in Puerto Vallarta.
You want a bed that is actually comfortable: not those rock-hard ones you sometimes find in rentals. And you want a space that feels calm. We really enjoyed the vibe at The Nest because it feels tucked away and cozy.
Having a dedicated workspace is also becoming more important for us.
Even on vacation, we still check an email or two.
A simple desk, a comfy chair, and a plug close by makes a HUGE difference. But best of all, if the desk is near a window, you actually want to sit there.
The Little Details Matter
We’ve learned that the small things make the biggest impact. Is there a good coffee maker? Are the towels soft? Is the Wi-Fi fast enough to stream a movie when it rains?
We always ask about these things before we book. A good host is happy to answer.
We’re genuinely grateful for the hosts here who go above and beyond. It makes the whole trip feel easy.
If you want more practical stuff, we also wrote about it here: why condo rentals just work.
Making the Move
If you are thinking about spending a month or two here, just do it!! It was the best decision we ever made. The lifestyle here is so relaxed and happy.
We spend our mornings at the beach and our afternoons exploring the jungle trails behind Amapas. There is a specific trail that leads to a hidden beach that we absolutely LOVE. It’s those kinds of experiences that you just can't get when you stay in a big hotel.
Having a real apartment makes you feel like a local. You get to shop at the local grocery stores, learn a bit of Spanish with the vendors, and really settle into the rhythm of the city.
Our Final Recommendation
If you are looking for the best experience possible, focus your search on Amapas. It is truly the best of all worlds. You get the views, the quiet, and you are still super close to Old Town.
We keep coming back to Amapas because it feels calm the second you walk in the door.
If you are a puerto vallarta digital nomad, this area is also just easier. You can work, walk, eat, repeat. No drama.
One more quick note: The PVGirl spots we’ve stayed in have been clean, simple, and exactly what we needed as a home base.
Our clear recommendation: Amapas is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED if you want the best mix of walkability, comfort, and that “wow” view feeling.
See more of our day-to-day and catch the latest updates on our Instagram.
| Link Type | Keyword / Phrase | Destination URL |
|---|---|---|
| Internal (Property) | this gorgeous spot called Sueño | https://thepvgirl.com/sueno |
| Internal (Property) | The Nest | https://thepvgirl.com/thenest |
| Internal (Blog) | our favorite walking loops | https://pvkid.com/blog/best-local-walking-routes |
| Internal (Blog) | why condo rentals just work | https://pvkid.com/blog/why-you-should-consider-condo-rentals-for-your-next-trip |
| External (Social) | catch the latest updates on our Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/the_pvkid/ |
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