I still remember the first morning I woke up in Amapas.
The air was warm, the ocean was sparkling just a few blocks away, and my laptop was already open for a 9 AM meeting.
But there was one big problem: my fridge was completely empty.
If you are a solo traveller or a digital nomad like me, you know that the "work" part of "remote work" depends entirely on how well you're fed.
Living in Amapas is a dream because you get the best of both worlds.
You have the peace of the hills and the absolute convenience of being right next to Old Town (which we locals often call Zona Romántica).
Over the months I've spent here, I have mastered the art of the Puerto Vallarta grocery run.
I’ve found the best places to grab fresh mangoes, the secret spots for artisan bread, and where to get those heavy water jugs delivered so I don't break a sweat before my first Zoom call.
Here is my ultimate guide to stocking your kitchen while staying in one of our favorite neighborhoods.
Starting Your Day at Supermercado Amapas
If you’re staying anywhere in the lower Amapas area, Supermercado Amapas is going to be your best friend.
It isn't a massive Walmart-style store, and that is exactly why I LOVE it.
It is a small neighborhood market that feels like it has been there forever.
I usually pop in here at least three times a week.
They have all the basics you need to survive a Tuesday workday: eggs, milk, fresh bolillos (bread rolls), and a surprisingly good selection of wine and craft beer for when 5 PM finally rolls around.
But best of all? They have a small deli counter where you can grab a quick sandwich if you’re too busy between meetings to cook.
It is fast, fresh, and saves me every single time I forget to meal prep.
The Real Deal: Mercado Municipal Emiliano Zapata
When I want to feel like a real local, I take a short ten-minute walk over to the Mercado Municipal in Emiliano Zapata.
This is where the magic happens.
If you want the freshest produce at the best possible quality, you HAVE to come here.
I usually go early in the morning, around 8:00 AM, before the heat of the day really kicks in.
I walk through the rows of stalls and pick out perfectly ripe avocados, stacks of corn tortillas that are still warm from the press, and more limes than I know what to do with.
Shopping here is such a vibrant experience.
The vendors are friendly, and even if your Spanish is just "un kilo, por favor," they will help you out with a smile.
It is also much better for a solo nomad because you can buy exactly what you need: just two carrots and one onion: rather than being forced to buy a giant plastic bag of them at a big chain store.
Stocking Up for the Long Haul
Sometimes, you just need a "big" shop.
If you’re looking for specific international brands, fancy cheeses, or bulk items like giant bags of coffee beans, you might want to head slightly further out.
I usually grab an Uber and head to La Comer or Soriana.
It’s about a 15-minute ride from Amapas, and it is totally worth it for a once-every-two-weeks haul.
This is where I stock up on my favorite almond milk, olive oil, and those specific snacks that remind me of home.
The PVGirl team always recommends doing a big run right when you arrive at one of our rental properties in puerto vallarta so you can focus on work and beach time for the rest of the week!
Fresh Snacks and Taco Stand Fuel
Let’s be honest: part of the "grocery" experience in Puerto Vallarta is knowing which street stands are basically extensions of your pantry.
When I'm deep in a project and can't even think about boiling pasta, I walk down the hill.
There is always a taco stand nearby with steaming hot carnitas or al pastor.
It is faster than delivery and honestly much more delicious.
I consider the local taco guys part of my "nutrition team."
If you want to know more about why this city is such a paradise for people like us, check out our post on why Puerto Vallarta is a haven for remote workers.
The Nomad Kitchen Setup
One thing I absolutely insist on is a good kitchen setup.
Staying in puerto vallarta condo house rentals makes a huge difference compared to a hotel room.
Having a full fridge and a stove means I can whip up a quick pico de gallo while I'm waiting for a file to upload.
I love having a space where the kitchen flows right into the living area.
It makes the workday feel less like a chore and more like a tropical lifestyle.
Plus, most of our units have amazing views, so even washing the dishes feels like a vacation.
Hydration is Key (The Garrafón Secret)
Whatever you do, do NOT drink the tap water.
As a digital nomad, you’ll be drinking a lot of water to stay hydrated in the humidity.
The secret is the "garrafón": the big 20-liter blue jugs of purified water.
You can buy these at almost any OXXO or small corner shop.
But my best tip? Ask your host about delivery.
Most neighborhoods in Amapas have a dedicated water truck that circles around.
You just leave your empty jug and some pesos outside, and they swap it for a fresh one.
It saves your back and your budget!
Specialty Finds and Farmers Markets
If you are a fan of organic produce or artisan goods, you have to check out the Saturday Farmers Market in Lazaro Cárdenas Park.
It is a short walk from Amapas and is such a fun way to spend a Saturday morning.
I always find the BEST sourdough bread there, along with organic peanut butter and handmade pastas.
It is a bit more of an expat vibe, but it is a great place to meet other nomads and solo travellers.
For a deeper dive into the vibe of this area, read our guide to Old Town Puerto Vallarta.
My Final Recommendation
If you are planning to spend a few weeks or months in Puerto Vallarta, don't be intimidated by the local markets.
Embrace them!
The combination of Supermercado Amapas for your daily needs and the Mercado Municipal for your fresh hauls is the perfect balance.
It keeps your grocery costs manageable and your food quality incredibly high.
And if you ever get stuck or can't find that one specific ingredient, just ask a local.
We are a very friendly bunch!
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Staying in Amapas has changed the way I work and live, and I know it will do the same for you.
Highly recommended!
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