We have lived and breathed the magic of Puerto Vallarta for our entire lives. Our family business is built on sharing the real PV with people like you. When you stay in one of our zona romantica puerto vallarta rentals, you aren't just getting a room. You are getting our lifetime of local secrets!
One of our absolute favorite things to do as a couple is to just get lost. We love walking through the winding streets of Old Town. There is something so incredibly romantic about the narrow alleys and the hidden stairs. You find details you would never see from a car or a bus.
The colors here are just AMAZING!! You’ll see bright pink bougainvillea spilling over white walls. You’ll hear the faint sound of music from a neighbor's window. It is the real, authentic soul of Mexico.
If you are a solo traveler or visiting with your partner, you have to try these walks. We have spent years exploring every corner of this neighborhood. We want to show you the spots that most tourists miss.
The Magic of the Aguacate Stairs
We recently took a slow sunset walk up the Aguacate Lookout and Staircase. It is tucked away right in the heart of Zona Romántica. It was soooo beautiful! This stairway was restored a few years ago and it looks fantastic.
You start at the corner of Manuel Diéguez and Aguacate street. As you walk up, the street narrows. The buildings are painted in the most vibrant shades of orange and yellow. We felt like we were walking through a painting!
The climb is a bit of a workout, but the reward is everything. As you reach the top near Rodolfo Gomez Street, the view opens up. You can see the whole bay sparkling below you. We stood there for a long time just watching the sky turn shades of purple and gold.
It’s a perfect spot for a quiet moment together. There are no crowds here. It’s just you, the ocean breeze, and the sounds of the neighborhood below. We highly recommend doing this walk just before sunset!
Exploring the Quiet Alleys of Altavista
From the top of the Aguacate stairs, you can keep wandering into Colonia Altavista. This area is so peaceful. It feels worlds away from the busy Malecón. The streets are steep and winding.
We love seeing the local life here. You might see a fruit vendor or a neighbor tending to their mountain of potted plants. It is very authentic. This is the Puerto Vallarta we grew up in and LOVE so much.
If you are looking for rental properties in puerto vallarta, staying in these hillside areas is a total game-changer. You get those breathtaking mountain views every single morning. The air is fresh and the vibe is totally chill.
We actually wrote more about these kinds of paths in our post about Secret Sunsets and Secluded Stairs. It covers the Amapas area which is right next door!
The Gringo Gulch Adventure
Another walk we do all the time is through Gringo Gulch. This is the area just above the Cuale River. It is famous because of Elizabeth Taylor, but we love it for the architecture. The white villas with red tile roofs are stunning.
You can start at the pedestrian bridge near Isla Cuale. Follow the stairs that lead up into the hills. The gardens along the way are so lush. It feels like a tropical jungle right in the middle of the city!
The paths here are made of old cobblestones. They are uneven and full of character. We always find a new hidden corner or a tiny bridge we haven't seen before. It is such a great way to spend a morning with your partner.
For more tips on these quiet streets, check out our guide on The Romantic Retreat. It’s full of our favorite little detours!
Climbing to the Cross
If you are feeling extra energetic, you have to hike up to Mirador Cerro de la Cruz. This is the big hill with the cross on top. The stairs are very steep! We won't lie, your legs will feel it.
But best of all, the view from the top is the BEST in the whole city. You can see all of Banderas Bay. You can see the mountains stretching out behind you. It is a panoramic masterpiece.
We like to go early in the morning before it gets too hot. The light is so clean and bright. It makes the ocean look incredibly blue. It’s a great spot to take some photos together.
Why Walking Matters
We always tell our guests that walking is the only way to truly see PV. When you are in a car, you miss the small things. You miss the smell of fresh tortillas from the local tortilleria. You miss the beautiful tile work on a hidden doorway.
Our family business is all about these small, local details. We want you to feel like you live here, not just like you are visiting. That is why we provide personalized service to everyone who stays with us. We love meeting our guests and giving them these "insider" tips!
When you support a local business like ours, you are supporting the community. We take pride in our city and we want to keep it beautiful and authentic. We don't have big corporate lobbies or impersonal service. We have hearts and homes.
Tips for Your Walk
- Wear comfortable shoes! Cobblestones and stairs are no joke.
- Bring water. It gets humid, especially in the afternoon.
- Take your time. Stop and look at the flowers.
- Smile at the locals. A "Buenos días" goes a long way.
- Keep your camera ready. You will want to remember these colors!
We are so grateful that we get to share our home with you. Puerto Vallarta is a place of endless discovery. Even after all these years, we still find new walkways that take our breath away.
If you want a vacation that feels real and romantic, come stay with us. We would love to host you and your partner. Whether you want a studio with an ocean view or a quiet spot in the mountains, we have you covered.
Don't forget to follow us on Instagram for daily doses of PV sunshine! We post a lot of photos of our favorite walks and views.
Puerto Vallarta is waiting for you. The stairs are calling! We hope to see you walking hand-in-hand through our favorite streets very soon. It is truly an UNFORGETTABLE experience.
Highly recommended for anyone who loves beauty and adventure!
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