I have spent a lot of time wandering the cobblestone streets of Puerto Vallarta.
Most people head straight for the heart of the action in Old Town.
Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the energy there.
Old Town (which you might also know as Zona Romantica) is where all the tacos, the nightlife, and the bustle happen.
But after a few days of that high-octane vacation energy, I always find myself craving something a bit more peaceful.
That is exactly when I head up the hill.
Welcome to Amapas.
If you are looking for a vacation that balances the fun of the city with absolute tranquility, this neighborhood is the answer.
In my experience, Amapas is the best place to rent in the entire bay.
It is Puerto Vallarta’s best-kept secret, and I am so excited to tell you why.
The Quiet Side of Paradise
When you walk just a few minutes south from the Los Muertos Pier, the world changes.
The sounds of the city start to fade.
The bass from the beach clubs gets replaced by the sound of tropical birds and the wind through the trees.
Amapas is built into the hillside, which means it feels like a tropical jungle sanctuary.
I remember the first time I stayed here.
I was worried I would be too far from the "action."
I was so wrong!
It is literally a five-minute walk down to the best restaurants and bars.
But when you come home at night, it is SOOO quiet.
You can actually hear the waves crashing on the shore from your balcony.
The streets are lined with massive bougainvillea bushes that spill over white walls.
It is incredibly colorful and feels very authentic.
If you want to find more spots like this, you should check out the best hidden gems in Zona Romantica.
The Path to the Secret Beach
One of my favorite things to do in the morning is walk to Playa Amapas.
Most tourists stay on the main part of Los Muertos beach.
But if you keep walking south until the sand ends, you will see a small set of stone stairs.
These stairs lead you up over the rocks and through a little patch of jungle.
It feels like you are going on a mini-adventure.
At the end of that path, you find Playa Amapas.
It is a small, secluded cove that most people don't even know exists.
The water here is crystal clear and calm.
There aren't any massive beach clubs or loud music.
Just some giant Amapas trees providing shade and a few locals enjoying the peace.
I highly recommend bringing a towel and a book and spending the whole morning there.
It is AMAZING how much more relaxed you feel when you escape the crowds.
If you are looking for a place to stay nearby, we have some incredible options for puerto vallarta condo rentals that put you right near this hidden path at The Nest.
Views That Will Take Your Breath Away
Because Amapas is on a hill, the views are unbeatable.
I am talking about sweeping, 180-degree vistas of the entire Banderas Bay.
Every evening is a masterclass in how to paint a sunset.
The sky turns shades of purple, orange, and deep red that I didn't even know were possible.
I LOVE sitting on a balcony with a cold drink and just watching the boats head back to the marina.
You can see the church tower in the distance and the twinkling lights of the city starting to wake up.
It is the most romantic thing I can imagine.
Actually, if you are a fan of heights, you need to see our guide on how to plan the perfect short stay.
But honestly, when you stay in Amapas, you have the best view right from your living room.
It makes every morning coffee feel like a special occasion.
A True Local Feel
One thing I really appreciate about Amapas is the sense of community.
While there are many travelers here, it still feels like a neighborhood.
You see the same people walking their dogs or heading to the little corner stores.
It is safe, clean, and very welcoming.
The architecture is a beautiful mix of traditional Mexican style and modern comfort.
I love the red tile roofs and the winding staircases that connect the different levels of the hillside.
It feels like a village within a city.
But best of all, you are just a short walk away from the best street tacos in the world.
If you want to experience this for yourself, I suggest looking into our condos for rent in puerto vallarta specifically in the Vizcarra area.
If you want to plan smarter before you book, I also recommend reading booking mistakes to avoid.
It really is the perfect home base for exploring everything this coast has to offer.
Why We Choose Amapas Every Time
So, why do we think Amapas is the absolute best?
It's the balance.
You get the world-class dining and shopping of Old Town whenever you want it.
But you also get a private, quiet sanctuary to retreat to when you are done.
The air feels fresher up on the hill.
The views make you feel like you are on top of the world.
And the hidden beach is a treasure that money can't buy.
If you are planning your next trip, don't just stay where everyone else stays.
Go a little further south.
Climb the hill.
I promise you will fall in LOVE with the magic of Amapas just like I did.
It is highly recommended for anyone who wants a more intimate and scenic experience.
Puerto Vallarta has a way of stealing your heart, but Amapas is where it really stays.
We are so grateful to be able to share this little slice of heaven with you.
See you on the hillside!
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