I have been visiting Puerto Vallarta for years now and I can honestly say I LOVE this place more every time I step off the plane.
There is just something about the warm air and the smell of the ocean that makes me feel instantly at home.
If you are planning your first trip or even your tenth, choosing where to stay is the biggest decision you will make.
I want to share my personal experiences with you so you can find the perfect spot for your next getaway!
Why Amapas is My Absolute Favorite
If you ask me where the BEST place to stay is, I will tell you Amapas every single time!
Amapas is tucked away just south of the main hustle and bustle, and it is truly AMAZING.
We always look for condo rentals in puerto vallarta specifically in this area because it offers the perfect balance of peace and proximity.
The views from the condos here are some of the most beautiful I have ever seen in my life.
You get to look out over the entire bay and watch the sunset every single evening from your own living room.
It is much quieter than other areas, which I really appreciate when I want to just relax and read a book.
But best of all, you are still only a short walk away from all the fun things you want to do.
If you love a more modern feel with plenty of space and privacy, Amapas is definitely for you.
I find the condos here are built with such a clean, modern aesthetic that makes the whole vacation feel so much more comfortable.
Getting Around Amapas
One thing I really enjoy about staying in Amapas is the walkability, even though it is on a bit of a hill.
The hills are what give you those incredible views, but they also give you a great little workout after a big Mexican dinner!
We often take the small rocky path down to Playa Amapas, which is a semi-hidden beach that most tourists actually miss.
It is much more peaceful than the bigger beaches nearby and has these beautiful large trees that provide the perfect shade.
Whenever we stay here, we feel like we have found our own little secret corner of paradise.
The Heartbeat of Old Town
Now, if you want to be right in the middle of the action, you have to check out Old Town.
Some people call it Zona Romantica, but just so you know, Old Town and Zona Romantica are actually the same place!
It is the heartbeat of the city and where you will find all the traditional charm you probably imagine when you think of Mexico.
The cobblestone streets are so beautiful and full of history.
We love walking through the streets and seeing the bright yellow and orange buildings with their beautiful tile work.
If you are looking to rent apartments puerto vallarta has some wonderful options right in the middle of these historic blocks.
What to Do in Old Town
Everything is within walking distance when you stay in Old Town.
You can walk to the Malecon, which is the long boardwalk by the ocean, in just a few minutes.
It is SOOO much fun to walk there in the evenings when everyone is out enjoying the sea breeze.
There are street performers, local artists, and more food stalls than you could ever possibly try.
I highly recommend grabbing some grilled corn or a fresh coconut and just watching the world go by.
The energy in Old Town is just infectious and it makes you want to stay forever.
Choosing the Right Spot for You
I know it can be hard to pick between the quiet beauty of Amapas and the lively streets of Old Town.
If you are a solo traveler or a couple looking for a romantic escape, I would lean towards Amapas.
But if you want to be steps away from every taco stand and art gallery, Old Town is a great choice too.
When we were first starting out, we spent a lot of time learning about choosing authentic rentals to make sure we were getting a real local experience.
It makes a huge difference when your condo feels like a home rather than just a hotel room.
We always look for places that have those small traditional details like Talavera tiles or locally made furniture.
Modern Comforts in Paradise
Even though we love the traditional look, we really enjoy having modern amenities inside our rentals.
Having a full kitchen is a total game changer because you can visit the local markets and cook up some fresh fish yourself.
The markets in Puerto Vallarta are incredible: the colors of the fruit and vegetables are so vibrant!
Most of the condos we stay in now have high-speed internet and very comfortable workspaces.
This has been great for us because we can stay longer and keep up with our work while looking at the ocean.
If you are curious about how that works, you should read about our experience with digital nomad life in PV and how it changed our perspective on travel.
Being able to work from a beautiful condo in Amapas is a dream come true, honestly.
Safety and Cleanliness
One question I get asked a lot is whether it is safe and clean to stay in these neighborhoods.
In my experience, both Amapas and Old Town are very safe and welcoming for tourists.
The locals are some of the friendliest people I have ever met, and they are always happy to help if you have a question.
We have always found our rentals to be incredibly clean and well-maintained.
The property managers really take pride in making sure everything is perfect for your arrival.
I always feel very secure walking home at night, especially in the well-lit areas of Old Town.
Final Thoughts on Your Trip
Puerto Vallarta is a place that stays in your heart long after you leave.
Whether you choose the elevated views of Amapas or the cultural richness of Old Town, you are going to have an AMAZING time.
I cannot emphasize enough how much I suggest staying in Amapas if you want the absolute best experience possible.
It is my personal top pick and I think you will fall in love with it just like I did!
So, if you are planning a trip, definitely look into these areas and find a place that feels right for you.
The memories you make here will be things you talk about for years to come.
I am already counting down the days until my next visit!
If you want to see more of our favorite spots and some great travel tips, make sure to follow us on Instagram.
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