We get asked this question all the time.
Should I stay in the middle of the action in Old Town?
Or should I head up the hill to Amapas for the views?
We have spent years exploring every corner of these two neighborhoods.
We LOVE them both for totally different reasons.
If you are a first-time visitor, picking between them can feel like a huge decision.
But don't worry.
We are going to break it down so you can choose the perfect spot for your next trip.
The Energy of Old Town
Old Town is also known as the Zona Romantica.
It is the beating heart of Puerto Vallarta.
When you think of classic Mexico, this is it.
We love the cobblestone streets and the red-tiled roofs.
Everywhere you look, there is color.
There are street tacos on every corner and the smell of grilled shrimp in the air.
It is loud. It is vibrant. It is SOOO full of life.
If you stay here, you are steps away from everything.
You can walk to the beach in five minutes.
You can hit up a different art gallery every night.
But best of all, you are right in the mix of the best restaurants in the city.
Why We Love the Buzz
Old Town is perfect if you hate taking taxis.
You can walk everywhere.
We love waking up and hitting a local cafe for a cafe de olla.
The energy in the morning is AMAZING.
You see the locals heading to work and the shop owners sweeping their storefronts.
It feels like a real community.
If you want a condo rental in puerto vallarta that puts you in the center of the world, Old Town is for you.
But, you have to be okay with noise.
It is a city after all.
You will hear the garbage trucks and the music from the bars.
We think it’s part of the charm!
It makes you feel like you are really living here, not just visiting.
Escaping to Amapas
Now, let’s talk about Amapas.
Amapas is just south of Old Town.
It starts right where the flat ground ends and the mountains begin.
People call it the "Hill of Airbnbs" or the "Beverly Hills of PV."
It is much quieter than Old Town.
The streets wind up into the jungle.
The trees are huge and green.
It feels like a hidden retreat.
The Views are Everything
The biggest reason to choose Amapas is the view.
Because you are up on a hill, the views of Banderas Bay are SPECTACULAR.
We have spent countless evenings just watching the sunset from a balcony in Amapas.
You can see the whole coastline.
You can see the boats coming in for the night.
It is so peaceful.
If you are looking for puerto vallarta vacation condos, Amapas offers a sense of calm you just can't find in the lower streets.
We love how the temperature feels a little cooler up there too.
The ocean breeze hits the hillside and keeps things fresh.
It is the best place to relax with a book and a cold drink.
The Walkability Factor
There is a trade-off, though.
Old Town is flat. Amapas is steep.
We have walked those hills many times.
It is a great workout!
But if you don't like hills, you will probably want to use Uber or a taxi to get home.
The walk down to the beach is easy and fast.
The walk back up at the end of a long day can be a bit much.
We usually walk down and take a quick ride back up.
It only takes about three minutes by car to get from the heart of the action back to the quiet of the hills.
Comparing the Beaches
In Old Town, you have Los Muertos Beach.
It is the most famous beach in town.
It is packed with beach clubs, vendors, and people having a great time.
It is exuberant and FUN.
If you want to be where the crowds are, stay in Old Town.
But if you walk just a little further south, you hit Playa Amapas.
This beach is tucked behind some rocks.
It is much quieter.
The water is often calmer, which makes it great for a quick dip.
We love the contrast.
You can have the wild beach day in Old Town and then retreat to the quiet beach in Amapas.
Which One is Right for You?
If you are a solo traveler who wants to meet people, Old Town is the winner.
You will never be lonely there.
There is always someone to talk to at a bar or a taco stand.
Check out our post on Finding Your Neighborhood: Old Town vs. Amapas for more details on the specific vibes of each street.
If you are a couple looking for romance and quiet nights, go with Amapas.
Nothing beats a private dinner on a balcony overlooking the ocean.
It is so romantic and special.
Our Practical Experience
We have stayed in both many times.
When we stay in Old Town, we find ourselves out late every night.
We get caught up in the music and the dancing.
When we stay in Amapas, we find ourselves waking up early.
We drink coffee on the balcony and watch the pelicans dive into the ocean.
Both experiences are incredible.
It really just depends on what kind of mood you are in.
One thing to remember is that they are right next to each other.
You aren't picking between two different cities.
You are just picking which side of the street you want to sleep on.
You can still enjoy all the Activities in Puerto Vallarta Near Your Rental regardless of which one you choose.
The Verdict
We truly believe that both neighborhoods are great.
Puerto Vallarta is a magical place no matter where you lay your head.
But if we have to pick a favorite for a vacation, we have to go with Amapas.
There is just something about being above it all.
You get the best of both worlds.
You get the peace and quiet of the jungle.
You get the AMAZING ocean views.
And you are still only a few minutes away from the tacos and the dancing in Old Town.
It feels more like a true escape.
Final Recommendation
We highly recommend booking your stay in Amapas.
It is the BEST place to experience the beauty of the bay.
You will LOVE the quiet mornings and the stunning sunsets.
It is the ultimate way to see Puerto Vallarta.
Go for the views, stay for the peace.
You won't regret it!
Don't forget to check out our latest photos and sunset clips on our Instagram!
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