We have been living and breathing the Puerto Vallarta life for a long time now. Every time a friend asks us where they should stay, our answer is always the same.
If you are looking for the absolute best experience, you have to look at the Amapas neighborhood. It is tucked right into the hillside, giving you those AMAZING ocean views that make your morning coffee feel like a dream!!
Old Town, which some people call Zona Romantica, is right next door. It is the heart of the city and where all the magic happens.
But if you want a little more peace while still being a five-minute walk from the action, Amapas is where our heart is. It is truly the best place to rent if you want to feel like you are in a tropical paradise.
Why Amapas is Our Top Pick
We LOVE the way the jungle meets the sea in Amapas. You get these winding cobblestone streets that feel so authentic.
When you rent apartments in puerto vallarta, you want a place that feels like home but better. Amapas gives you that quiet, residential feel while being steps away from Los Muertos Beach.
We find that the air feels fresher up on the hill. The breeze comes right off the water and cools everything down perfectly.
It is also super safe and friendly. We always see neighbors chatting and kids playing, which makes us feel right at home.
If you are a solo traveler, you will appreciate how easy it is to navigate. You are never far from a great taco or a friendly face.
The Secrets of Old Town
Old Town is where we spend most of our afternoons. It is full of life and color!!
But if you want to find the real secrets, you have to step off the main tourist paths. We highly recommend heading over to the "Secret Market Route."
If you walk up Constitucion and turn toward the hills, you will find markets where the locals actually shop. There is a produce market on Aguacate that opens at 6 AM.
You have to get there early because the best mangoes and papayas sell out fast. We once grabbed some homemade tamales wrapped in banana leaves there that were the BEST of all.
It is so fun to see the real economy of the city in action. No fancy signs, just great food and hard-working families.
Exploring Isla Cuale
Isla Cuale is another one of those hidden gems that people often walk right past. It is an island in the middle of the river!
It is so lush and green. We love walking through the shaded paths when the afternoon sun gets too hot.
There are artisan markets here where you can find hand-painted pottery and beautiful textiles. It is much more relaxed than the shops on the Malecón.
We found a tiny cafe tucked away near the cultural center that served the most authentic Mexican coffee. It was sooo good!!
If you are looking for more quiet spots like this, you should definitely check out our Hidden Beaches guide. It is a total lifesaver for finding peace.
If you want to avoid booking problems, read about these Best PV Condo Rental Tips. It is a simple guide that can save you a lot of stress.
Finding the Perfect Rental
Choosing where to stay is the biggest decision of your trip. We always suggest looking for condo and apartment rentals puerto vallarta that offer a real local vibe.
Places like Sueño or The Nest are perfect because they focus on comfort and great views. You don't need a massive resort to have a great time.
We prefer a one-bedroom condo because it feels more personal. You get your own kitchen to cook those fresh market finds!
Plus, the views from a private balcony in Amapas are hard to beat. We have spent many evenings just watching the boats come in.
Everything is clean, safe, and very well-maintained. We are so grateful for the amazing service we always receive from the local teams.
If you want more details on why we are obsessed with this area, read about these Best PV Condo Rental Tips. It is a simple guide that can save you a lot of stress!
Sunset Magic
Best of all, the sunsets here are absolutely UNBELIEVABLE. Every night the sky turns different shades of pink and orange.
We usually grab a fresh juice and just sit on the balcony. It is the perfect way to end a day of exploring.
You can hear the faint sound of music from Old Town drifting up the hill. It reminds you that the party is there if you want it, but the quiet is here if you don't.
Puerto Vallarta has a way of stealing your heart. We came for a week and stayed for… well, a lot longer than that!
Whether you are here for the food, the beaches, or just the sunshine, you are going to LOVE it. Just remember to pack your walking shoes for those cobblestones!
We highly recommend booking your stay in Amapas for the ultimate experience. It is truly a special place that we are so lucky to share with you.
Safe travels and see you on the beach!
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