We have been coming to Puerto Vallarta for years now.
It is one of those places that just gets under your skin in the best way possible.
Every time we land at the airport, that warm, humid air hits us and we just know, we are home.
But our last trip was different.
We finally decided to stay a bit further up the hill in Amapas.
Let me tell you, it was a total game changer for our vacation experience.
If you are looking for the perfect mix of peace and proximity, this is the spot.
Amapas is nestled right above the hustle and bustle.
It feels like a secret garden overlooking the entire bay.
We absolutely LOVE how quiet it gets at night here.
The Magic of the Hillside
Most people stick right to the flat streets of Old Town.
Don’t get me wrong, we love Old Town and the Zona Romantica.
They are basically the same amazing place with all the shops and tacos.
But staying in Amapas gives you a perspective you just can’t get on the lower ground.
Our balcony had a view that looked like a postcard every single morning.
The turquoise water of Banderas Bay literally sparkles when the sun hits it.
It is SOOOO beautiful!
We spent so many mornings just sitting there with our coffee.
Watching the pelicans dive into the water is better than any TV show.
The condos in this area are designed to show off that view.
If you want to find the perfect spot, you should check out these puerto vallarta apartments for your next trip.
They really capture that hillside magic we are talking about.
Why Amapas is the Best Place to Rent
We have stayed in a lot of areas in PV.
But Amapas is hands down the best place to rent.
It is tucked away from the loud music of the late-night clubs.
Yet, you can walk down a few sets of stairs and be right in the heart of the action in minutes.
It is the best of both worlds.
We felt so safe walking around the cobblestone streets here.
The neighbors are friendly and the whole area is kept so clean.
It feels like a real community, not just a tourist trap.
If you are a solo traveler, this safety is a huge plus.
You get the privacy you want without feeling isolated.
We found some great places to stay by looking at condos for rent in puerto vallarta specifically in the Amapas zone.
The quality of the builds here is just fantastic.
Everything felt solid, cool, and very well-maintained.
Getting Your Steps In
Okay, let's talk about the hills.
Amapas is on a hillside, so there are stairs and inclines.
We actually loved this!
It meant we could eat all the tacos we wanted in the afternoon.
Walking back up to our condo was our built-in workout.
But best of all, those extra few feet of elevation mean you get a better breeze.
The air feels fresher up here.
It’s less dusty than the main transit roads.
And the colors!
The bougainvillea flowers are everywhere in Amapas.
Bright pinks, deep purples, and oranges spill over every wall.
It is a feast for the eyes.
Experience the Real Charm
Amapas still feels like "Old Mexico" in many ways.
The architecture is gorgeous and fits right into the jungle.
We loved seeing the green mountains of the Sierra Madre meet the sea.
It is a very grounding experience.
If you like exploring nature, there are paths nearby too.
We found some amazing spots by following the Hidden Puerto Vallarta Beaches guide during our stay.
Sometimes you just want to find a quiet cove away from the crowds.
Staying in Amapas makes that so much easier.
You are already halfway there!
We were also very grateful for the local staff we met.
The housekeepers and maintenance folks are so hardworking.
They really take pride in making these rentals feel like home.
Practical Details for Your Stay
When you book in Amapas, look for places with large terraces.
You will spend 80% of your time out there.
We also recommend checking the walkability to your favorite spots.
Most places are a 5 to 10-minute walk to Los Muertos beach.
It’s close enough to hear the waves but far enough to avoid the noise.
The cleanliness of the condos we visited was impressive.
They really go the extra mile to make things sparkle.
If you need help deciding on a place, these Best PV Condo Rental Tips are super helpful.
They helped us avoid a lot of common mistakes first-timers make.
A Romantic Escape or Solo Retreat
Amapas is incredibly romantic.
Watching the sunset from a private balcony is AMAZING!!
The sky turns into a painting of gold and fire.
We had some of our favorite dinners right there at our own patio table.
But it’s also great for groups or solo explorers.
It provides a peaceful home base to recharge.
We really can't say enough good things about this area.
The views alone are worth every penny.
And the feeling of being "above it all" is so relaxing.
It really changed how we view vacationing in PV.
We used to want to be in the middle of everything.
Now, we just want to be in Amapas.
Final Thoughts
If you are planning a trip soon, give Amapas a try.
It is a game changer for your peace of mind.
You get the beauty, the breeze, and the best views in town.
We had the best time of our lives on this last trip.
The combination of comfort and location is unbeatable.
Amapas is highly recommended for anyone who wants a better vacation.
It really is the best place to stay in all of Puerto Vallarta.
We are already looking at dates to go back next year!
There is just something about that hillside vibe that stays with you.
We are so grateful for the memories we made there.
If you want to see more photos of our trips, check us out on Facebook!
We love sharing the PV magic with everyone.
Catch you on the next sunset!
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