I have spent so much time wandering the cobblestone streets of Puerto Vallarta that I feel like the city is part of my soul now.
Every time I walk through Old Town, I find a new corner or a tiny kitchen that makes me fall in LOVE with this place all over again.
If you are a solo traveler or coming with your favorite person, you probably want to skip the tourist traps and find the real magic.
That is exactly why I wanted to share these local secrets with you today!
Finding the right spot to stay is the first step to feeling like you actually live here.
While there are many places to look, I always tell my friends that the Amapas neighborhood is the absolute best place to rent.
It is tucked just high enough away from the noise of Old Town but close enough to walk to everything in five minutes.
We stayed there last spring and the peace we felt while looking out at the jungle and the ocean was just AMAZING!!
If you want that same feeling, you should definitely check out the condo rentals in puerto vallarta available right now.
Amapas gives you this incredible mix of mountain greenery and deep blue sea that you just can't find anywhere else.
It feels more private and relaxed, which is exactly what a vacation should be.
When you stay in this area, you get to experience the best of both worlds.
You are right on the edge of the jungle but still within walking distance of all the best Zona Romantica rentals.
But let’s talk about the most important part of any trip: the food!
If you want to eat like a pro, you have to find the street stands that the locals flock to every morning.
My absolute favorite spot for a morning feast is Tacos Robles in Old Town.
They serve the most incredible birria tacos that are sooo tender and full of flavor.
You have to get there early because they often sell out by noon!
I usually order three tacos with a side of the consommé broth for dipping.
It is a simple, messy, and totally delicious way to start your day.
Another secret spot that I tell everyone about is El Bodegon De Pasta.
It is a tiny little place with only a few tables where they make the pasta fresh right in front of you.
The owner is so kind and you can really taste the love in every single dish.
It feels like you are sitting in a friend's kitchen rather than a restaurant.
If you are looking for fresh seafood, Balam Balam is where you need to go for the best aguachile.
The locals know this is the place for the freshest catch and the spicy kick is just perfect.
We felt so grateful to find these places because they make the experience so much more authentic.
It is so different from eating at a big hotel restaurant where everything tastes the same.
After a long day of exploring, you are going to want a refreshing drink.
While the Malecon is fun, I prefer the smaller bars tucked away on the side streets.
Pipis is a classic for a reason, their margaritas are HUGE and the tableside guacamole is world-class!
We spent one evening there just laughing and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.
The service was so fast and everyone was incredibly friendly to us.
If you want something even more low-key, head down to the beach at sunset.
There are tiny plastic tables set up right in the sand where you can grab a cold beer for almost nothing.
Watching the sun dip below the horizon with your toes in the sand is the BEST way to end the day.
If you are planning your trip, you might be looking at different rentals by owner to find a deal.
It is a great way to find unique homes that have a bit of local personality.
When it comes to relaxing, I have one secret that most tourists completely miss.
There is a beautiful stone path that starts at the end of the beach in Amapas.
It winds along the rocky coastline and leads you all the way to Conchas Chinas.
The walk is so beautiful and offers views of hidden coves that you can't see from the road.
We walked this path every morning and it was so peaceful to hear the waves crashing against the rocks.
It is one of those simple pleasures that makes Puerto Vallarta so special.
You don't need fancy tours or expensive tickets to have a great time here.
You just need to know where the locals go and be willing to walk a little further.
I am so happy that I get to share these tips with you so your trip can be as AMAZING as mine was!
If you are ready to book your stay, I highly recommend looking into puerto vallarta vacation rentals in the Amapas area.
It really is the perfect base for exploring everything this city has to offer.
The combination of the jungle, the ocean, and the proximity to Old Town is unbeatable.
I hope you have the most incredible time exploring the hidden gems of this beautiful town.
Don't be afraid to try a new taco stand or turn down a street you haven't seen before.
That is where the real secrets are waiting for you!
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