If you have been following my journey for a while, you know I’ve spent a lot of time testing out different corners of Puerto Vallarta. I have lived in the bustling center, the trendy spots further north, and the classic cobblestone streets. But after months of bouncing around, I finally found my absolute favorite home base for remote work.
Amapas is where I truly feel at home. If you are a solo traveler or a couple looking to work remotely while soaking up the best of Mexico, this is the spot. It sits just above the hustle and bustle, tucked into the lush hills where the jungle meets the sea.
I’ve had many friends ask me where they should set up shop for a few weeks or months. My answer is always the same: Amapas is hands down the best place to rent. It offers a level of peace you just can’t find in the middle of town, but you are still close enough to grab a taco or a coffee in minutes.
The Amapas Vibe: Why It Works for Us
Amapas is often described as the quieter, more residential neighbor to Old Town (which many people also call Zona Romantica). To me, it feels like a hidden sanctuary. When we first arrived, I was worried about being "too far" from the action, but I quickly realized that "far" in PV just means a ten-minute walk or a very cheap Uber ride.
The neighborhood is full of winding, hilly streets and incredible greenery. There are no massive high-rises blocking your views here. Instead, you get modern, beautiful condos that feel integrated into the landscape.
One of my favorite things about staying here is the morning routine. I wake up to the sound of tropical birds rather than traffic. I can have my coffee on the terrace, look out at the Banderas Bay, and actually hear myself think before the workday starts.
Setting Up Your Workspace
As a digital nomad, the first thing I check: even before the shower pressure: is the Wi-Fi. I’ve stayed in a few different places here, including Sueño and The Nest, and I’ve been consistently impressed. Most modern rentals in Amapas have fiber-optic internet now. I usually get speeds between 50 and 100 Mbps, which is more than enough for my endless Zoom calls and uploading large files.
If you are planning to puerto vallarta apartments, you’ll find that many of the units are designed with people like us in mind. I love having a dedicated desk space that isn't just a kitchen table. In my current spot, I have a workstation right by a massive window that lets in all that natural light. It makes those long afternoons of typing so much better.
But best of all, if the power ever flickers (which can happen during a big tropical storm!), I just hop on my phone hotspot. The cell signal in Amapas is generally very strong since we are elevated on the hill.
The Cafe Scene: Working Around Town
While I LOVE my home office setup, I do get a bit of cabin fever if I stay inside too long. That’s when I head down the hill into the main part of town. It’s a short, steep walk that doubles as my daily cardio!
There are some fantastic spots to work from if you need a change of scenery:
- El Sofa Café: This is a staple for nomads. It’s cozy, the staff is incredibly friendly, and they are totally fine with you camping out with a laptop for a few hours. The breakfast burritos are a major plus.
- Puerto Café: If you are a coffee snob like me, this is your place. It’s small, so get there early, but the Wi-Fi is snappy and the beans are top-tier.
- The Green Place: Great for a healthy lunch while you hammer out some emails. It has a very relaxed vibe and plenty of power outlets.
I usually spend my mornings working from the condo and then head down to a cafe for a few hours in the afternoon. It’s the perfect way to feel connected to the local community while still getting things done.
Making the Most of the Neighborhood
When you aren't glued to your screen, Amapas has so much to offer. We spend a lot of our weekends exploring the local trails. You can actually hike from the southern end of Amapas all the way to some hidden beaches like Colomitos if you are feeling adventurous.
Safety is another big reason I recommend this area. I always feel comfortable walking around, even in the evenings. The community is a mix of locals and expats who are all very welcoming. It feels like a real neighborhood where people recognize each other.
If you are trying to decide between different types of accommodations, you might be wondering about the pros and cons. I actually wrote a post about hidden taco stands if you want to add a few fun discoveries to your work-from-anywhere trip. You can also read hidden rooftops to make planning easier. Spoilers: for nomads, the condo wins every single time because of the kitchen and the extra space.
Practical Tips for Nomad Life in Amapas
Living on a hill has its quirks! Here are a few things I learned the hard way so you don't have to:
- Download Uber: The walk down is easy, but the walk back up after a long day in the sun can be brutal. Ubers are everywhere and very affordable.
- Grocery Strategy: There aren't massive supermarkets right in Amapas, but there are plenty of small "tiendas" for the basics. For a big shop, we usually take a quick ride to the large grocery stores in the center.
- Join the Community: There are some great Facebook groups for nomads in PV. It’s the best way to find out about pop-up events, volleyball games on the beach, or the best new taco stand.
I spent a lot of time researching before I settled on this area.
Why Amapas Stole My Heart
At the end of the day, being a digital nomad is about finding a balance. You want to be productive, but you also want to enjoy the reason you traveled in the first place. Amapas gives me that balance. I can finish a project, shut my laptop, and be standing on the sand with a cold drink in my hand in less than fifteen minutes.
If you are looking for rental properties in puerto vallarta, keep an eye out for properties in this specific neighborhood. The views are better, the air is fresher, and the vibe is exactly what a remote worker needs to stay inspired.
I cannot wait to see you out here! Puerto Vallarta has a way of drawing you in, and Amapas is the perfect place to let that happen. Whether you stay for a week or a year, this neighborhood is highly recommended.
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