If you are looking for the absolute best way to experience Puerto Vallarta with your partner, we have some thoughts for you. After spending so many weeks wandering these streets, we’ve realized that where you stay makes all the difference in the world.
For us, it’s always been about finding that perfect balance between being close to the action and having a quiet, private place to escape to at the end of the day. That is exactly why we always tell our friends that Amapas is the best place to rent. It’s tucked just high enough in the hills to give you those incredible views of the ocean, but it’s still just a short, beautiful walk down to the heart of the South Side.
Our most recent trip was all about slowing down and really soaking in the magic of this area. We didn’t want a busy schedule or a long list of tourist traps. We just wanted to be together, explore the colorful corners of the neighborhood, and eat some of the best food we’ve ever had.
Why We Love Amapas
We’ve stayed in a lot of different areas, but Amapas just feels special. It has this intimate, hilly vibe that makes every walk feel like a little adventure. The streets are made of those classic Mexican cobblestones, and the buildings are draped in vibrant greenery.
Every time we stepped out of our door, we felt like we were in a movie. The neighborhood is super quiet because it’s mostly residential, so you don't get the loud music from the bars late at night. But best of all, you are only a few blocks away from Old Town, which is the same place as Zona Romantica.
Being in Amapas means you get the peace of the hills and the energy of the city all at once. We spent our mornings on our balcony with coffee, just watching the boats go across the bay. It was SOOO relaxing! If you are a solo traveller or a couple looking for a peaceful retreat, this neighborhood is exactly where you want to be.
Wandering the South Side
One of our favorite things to do was just walk. We’d head down from the hills toward the beach, following the narrow paths and stairways that connect Amapas to the rest of the town.
The walk down to Los Muertos Beach is iconic. You pass all these beautiful houses with carved wooden doors and bright tiles. It’s the kind of walk where you have to stop every five minutes to take a photo because everything is so pretty.
Once you get down to the water, the whole vibe changes. You’ve got the Los Muertos Pier, which looks like a giant sail and is a great spot to just stand and feel the ocean breeze. We loved walking out to the end of the pier and watching the fishermen. It’s a very local, authentic experience that we highly recommend.
Since we were staying in such a great location, we also spent a lot of time talking about Puerto Vallarta condos for rent by owner because it feels so much more personal than a big hotel. You get to feel like a local, which is what we always aim for.
Culture, Art, and Tacos
When we weren't at the beach, we were exploring the art galleries and shops in Old Town. There is so much creativity in this city! We spent one whole afternoon just popping into different galleries and looking at the local pottery and paintings.
The colors here are just AMAZING!! Everything is so bright and full of life. We even found some traditional tiles that we want to get for our own home one day. The craftsmanship is truly incredible.
Of course, you can’t talk about the South Side without talking about the food. We are huge fans of the local taco stands. There is something so special about sitting on a plastic stool on a street corner, eating the best al pastor you’ve ever tasted.
If you want to find the best spots, you should definitely check out our favorite hidden taco gems which we’ve used as our bible for every trip.
For a more romantic evening, we loved finding those little open-air restaurants that overlook the water. There’s nothing quite like having a fresh seafood dinner while listening to the waves crash below you. We’ve never felt more connected than during those long, slow dinners under the bright blue sky.
Finding Your Perfect Base
We know that picking a place to stay can be a bit overwhelming, but we’ve found that staying in a condo gives you so much more freedom. You have your own kitchen, your own space, and usually a much better view than a standard hotel room.
Our favorite spot lately has been the apartaento de mi sueno because the layout is just perfect for couples. It’s bright, modern, and has that cozy feeling that makes you want to stay forever.
The interior design in these modern condos is so sleek. We LOVE the floor-to-ceiling windows that bring the jungle right into your living room. It feels like you are living in a treehouse but with all the modern comforts you need.
We also really value the peace of mind we get when staying in these rentals. Safety is always a priority for us, and the Amapas area feels incredibly secure. If you want to know more about that, you can read our thoughts on vacation safety where we break down why we feel so comfortable here.
Tips for Couples
If you are planning your own trip, here are a few things we learned:
- Wear comfortable shoes. Those cobblestones are charming, but they are not kind to heels! We learned that the hard way.
- Explore the hills. Don't just stay on the beach. Some of the most beautiful architecture and best views are hidden up in the winding streets of Amapas.
- Drink plenty of water. The sun is strong, and you’ll be doing a lot of walking.
- Be adventurous with food. The best meals are often found in the smallest, most unassuming places.
We truly believe that the South Side is the heart and soul of Puerto Vallarta. It’s where you find the history, the culture, and the most welcoming people. And by choosing Amapas as your home base, you get to experience it all without sacrificing your peace and quiet.
Our time in Amapas was everything we hoped for and more. We left feeling refreshed, inspired, and already planning our next visit. It is the perfect place for a couple to reconnect and enjoy the simple beauties of Mexico.
We honestly cannot wait to go back. If you are looking for a romantic, authentic, and beautiful getaway, a condo in Amapas is highly recommended!
If you want to see more of our daily adventures and get some behind-the-scenes looks at our favorite rentals, come hang out with us on Facebook!
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