I have spent a lot of time in Puerto Vallarta over the years. I’ve stayed in almost every neighborhood you can think of. But every single time I come back, my heart ends up right here in Amapas.
There is just something about this place that feels different. It is my absolute happy place. If you are looking for a vacation that feels peaceful but still close to everything, you have to look at Amapas.
I remember the first time I stayed here. I was a bit worried about being on a hill. I thought maybe I would miss being right in the middle of the noise.
But I was so wrong! The moment I saw the view of Banderas Bay from my balcony, I was hooked. It was the most relaxed I had ever felt on a trip.
The Best of Both Worlds
Amapas is tucked away just south of Old Town. People also call that area Zona Romantica, and they are really the same spot. It’s the heart of the city where all the fun happens.
Living in Amapas means you are just a ten-minute walk from all the bars and restaurants. You get to enjoy the energy whenever you want. But when you are done, you get to walk back to your quiet home.
It is like having a secret escape. You can hear the ocean instead of the traffic. You can see the stars instead of the streetlights.
I honestly think Amapas is the best place to rent in the whole city. It gives you the privacy you need to actually recharge your batteries. If you are a solo traveler or a couple looking for romance, this is the spot.
Walking the Hills
The streets in Amapas are so beautiful. They are made of old cobblestones and lined with bright pink bougainvillea. I LOVE walking through the neighborhood in the morning.
Yes, there are hills! My legs definitely got a workout the first few days. But the views make every step worth it.
You see these amazing villas built right into the cliffs. They have so much character. It feels like a real Mexican neighborhood, not just a tourist zone.
I often tell my friends that if they want the real experience, they should check out puerto vallarta condo rentals in this area. You get so much more space and peace than you do in the flat parts of town.
Why Amapas Beats the Rest
I have stayed in other areas, but they just don't compare. Some places are way too loud at night. You can hear music until 4 AM.
In Amapas, it is quiet. You wake up to the sound of birds in the jungle. The air feels fresher because you are slightly elevated.
I also love that you are so close to the Sierra Madre mountains. The jungle literally meets the sea here. It is SOOO beautiful to see that bright green canopy against the blue water.
If you want to read more about why I keep coming back, check out The Best View in Town: Why Amapas is My Favorite Escape. It really explains that feeling of looking out over the water.
The Hidden Beach
One of the best secrets about staying here is Playa Amapas. Most tourists go to Los Muertos beach because it’s famous. Don't get me wrong, Los Muertos is great for people-watching.
But Playa Amapas is special. It’s a smaller beach separated by a big rock called El Púlpito. It feels much more secluded and private.
There is a little path that leads you there. It’s a short walk from most of the condos. I love going there in the afternoon with a book and just listening to the waves.
It’s the perfect place to get away from the crowds. You don’t have people trying to sell you things every five minutes. It’s just you, the sand, and the clear water.
Finding the Right Home
When I’m looking for a place to stay, I always look for rental properties in puerto vallarta that are specifically in the Lower Amapas area. This keeps you closer to the beach access.
Upper Amapas is also great because the views are even higher. You can see the whole coastline from up there. It just depends on how much you like to walk or if you prefer taking a quick taxi.
I’ve found that the homes here have a lot of soul. They aren't generic boxes. They have big windows and open spaces that let the breeze in.
If you're curious about the specific spots only locals know about, you should see Local Secrets: Why Amapas is the Best Kept Secret. It’s a great guide for finding those hidden gems.
My Daily Routine
My typical day in Amapas is pretty simple, and that’s why I love it. I wake up early and have coffee on the balcony. I watch the fishing boats head out into the bay.
Then, I head down the hill for a walk. I might stop in Old Town for a breakfast taco. Since they are the same place, I can easily wander into Zona Romantica for a fresh juice.
I spend the afternoon either at the quiet beach or just relaxing in the condo. There is no rush here. The pace of life in Amapas is just slower.
In the evening, I watch the sunset. The sunsets in Puerto Vallarta are FAMOUS for a reason. From the hills of Amapas, they are even more AMAZING because you are above the treeline.
Safety and Comfort
I always feel very safe here. The neighborhood is very friendly. You see the same neighbors every day and everyone says "Buenos dias."
It feels like a community. Even though I’m a visitor, I feel like I belong. That is something you don’t always get in the bigger hotel zones.
The streets are well-lit and well-maintained. Even walking back at night from dinner in the Romantic Zone feels fine. I just take my time and enjoy the warm night air.
The plants and flowers everywhere make it feel like you are living in a garden. I’m always taking photos of the bougainvillea. It’s just so vibrant!
Final Thoughts on My Happy Place
If you are planning a trip to Puerto Vallarta, please do yourself a favor. Don't just book a random room in a busy hotel. Look for a place in Amapas.
It is the best way to see the city. You get the beauty of the jungle, the peace of the hills, and the fun of the town all in one.
I have made so many great memories here. Whether I’m watching a storm roll over the ocean or just enjoying a quiet night in, Amapas always delivers.
It is my favorite escape for a reason. Every time I leave, I’m already thinking about my next stay. I truly believe it’s the most beautiful part of Vallarta.
If you want a vacation that stays with you long after you go home, Amapas is the answer. It is peaceful, beautiful, and absolutely perfect.
Staying in Amapas is highly recommended. Follow us on Instagram.
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