I love waking up in Amapas.
There is a specific kind of quiet here that you just do not get anywhere else in Puerto Vallarta.
While the rest of the city is starting to buzz, Amapas stays still for just a little bit longer.
I usually wake up around 6:30 AM.
The sun is not fully over the mountains yet, but the sky is turning that soft shade of pink.
It is the best time to be outside before the heat really kicks in for the day.
If you are looking for puerto vallarta condo rentals, Amapas is the place I always suggest first.
It is high enough to get a breeze and low enough that you can still walk to the beach.
The Sound of the Morning
When I step out onto the balcony, the first thing I notice is the sound.
You hear the crashing of the waves from down at Los Muertos beach, but it is muffled by the trees.
The jungle birds are starting their day too.
It is a mix of tropical chirps and the distant sound of a broom sweeping a cobblestone street.
I usually just stand there for a few minutes with a glass of water.
No phones, no emails, just the view.
Everything feels fresh.
A Walk Through the Hills
Around 7:00 AM, I put on my walking shoes.
Walking in Amapas is a workout, but it is a good one.
The streets are steep and made of old stone.
I love looking at the different villas and condo buildings tucked into the greenery.
Everything is so lush here.
Bougainvillea spills over the walls in bright purples and reds.
If you are staying at Sueño or The Nest, you are right in the heart of this.
I walk down toward the highway and then back up the winding roads.
It gets your heart rate up, but the ocean views make you forget your legs are burning.
The Best View in Town
Every few blocks, you get a clearing in the trees.
You can see the whole curve of Banderas Bay.
The water is usually flat and glassy in the morning.
You might see a few fishing boats heading out for the day.
It is so peaceful.
We often tell our friends that condo and apartment rentals puerto vallarta in this neighborhood are the best secret in the city.
You are close to the action, but you feel like you are in a different world.
It is the perfect balance of nature and town.
Finding Playa Las Amapas
After my walk, I usually head down to the water.
Most people go to the main beach, but I like the hidden one.
If you walk past the blue chairs and scramble over the rocks, you find Playa Las Amapas.
In the morning, it is almost empty.
The sand is soft and the water is cool.
I like to sit on a rock and watch the tide come in.
It is a great spot to clear your head.
The water is clear and calm enough for a quick morning swim.
It feels like having your own private cove for an hour.
Coffee and Quiet Time
By 8:30 AM, I am back at the condo.
This is when the neighborhood starts to wake up a little more.
I make a pot of coffee and sit back on the sofa.
The light in the living room is amazing this time of year.
It is bright but not blinding.
If you have read my post about Old Town or Amapas? Choosing Your Neighborhood, you know I have a hard time picking.
But in the mornings, Amapas always wins for me.
It is just so much calmer.
You don't hear the delivery trucks or the loud music from the bars.
You just hear the wind in the palms.
Getting Ready for the Day
Once the sun gets higher, the "quiet" starts to fade.
That is my cue to get moving.
I shower and get ready to head into town for a real breakfast.
Amapas is great because it is a quick five-minute walk down to the Romantic Zone.
You get the peace of the hills and the energy of the city whenever you want it.
If you are a solo traveler, you will feel very safe here.
The streets are quiet but there are always people around.
It is a very friendly community.
I usually wave to the same security guards and gardeners every morning.
Heading into Old Town
Sometimes I take the stairs down by the beach.
Other times I walk the main road to see what is happening.
By 9:30 AM, the cafes in town are open and smelling like fresh bread.
I might go look for some Secret Spots in Old Town PV: A Local's Guide to find a new place for chilaquiles.
But I always look back up at the Amapas hills and feel glad that is where I started my day.
It sets the tone for everything else.
If you start your day stressed, the whole day feels rushed.
If you start your day in Amapas, you feel like you can handle anything.
Why We Love Amapas
We have stayed in a lot of places in Puerto Vallarta.
Some were right on the busy streets, and some were further out.
Nothing beats the vibe of this hillside.
The air feels thinner and cleaner up here.
The buildings like Casa CC and Vizcarra have so much character.
They fit into the landscape instead of blocking it.
We always recommend Amapas to anyone who wants a "real" feel of Mexico but with modern comforts.
It is not a sterile resort area.
It is a neighborhood with soul.
My Morning Routine Tips
If you are staying in Amapas, try to wake up early at least once.
Even if you aren't a morning person, it is worth it.
Leave your balcony doors open to let the breeze in.
Take a slow walk without a destination.
Listen to the birds.
Watch the colors of the ocean change as the sun hits the water.
It is a simple pleasure, but it is the best part of being here.
I find that I don't need much else.
Just a good view and a quiet street.
Final Thoughts
Amapas is truly a special place.
It offers a sense of calm that is hard to find in a popular tourist destination.
I highly recommend choosing this area for your next trip.
You will not regret the extra few steps on the hills when you see that sunrise.
It is the best way to experience the magic of the bay.
I am so grateful we get to call this place home for a while.
Every morning feels like a gift.
If you want to see more of our daily life here, follow the adventure on insta.
We love sharing the hidden corners of this beautiful town.
See you on the hills!
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