We absolutely LOVE the vibe in Amapas! If you are looking for the perfect spot for a romantic getaway or a quiet place to get some work done, this is it. It is like the grown-up, peaceful sibling of the Zona Romántica. You get all the excitement of Old Town just a short walk away, but you wake up to the sound of birds and the rustle of jungle leaves.
We spent a few weeks exploring every little corner of this neighborhood. It is tucked into the hillside, and let me tell you, the views are UNBELIEVABLE. Every time we walked out of our door, we were greeted by deep greens and bright ocean blues. It feels like a secret tropical hideaway.
The Jungle-Meets-City Vibe
Amapas is where the Sierra Madre mountains literally tumble into the sea. One minute you are walking past a modern condo, and the next, you are surrounded by massive vines and tropical palms. We loved just wandering the streets here. The hills can be a workout, but that is part of the charm!
It is much quieter than the main streets of Old Town. There are no loud bars or pounding music right next to you. Instead, you get a calm, residential feeling that is so hard to find in the city center. For us, it was the best of both worlds. We could have a wild night out and then retreat to our peaceful sanctuary in the hills.
If you are a digital nomad, this peace is a lifesaver. We found it so easy to focus here. The only "distraction" was the occasional bright green lizard scurrying across a garden wall or the sight of a boat crossing the bay in the distance. It is definitely one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Puerto Vallarta if you want to actually get things done.
Discovering Hidden Paths
One of our favorite things to do was hunt for the "hidden" paths. Amapas is full of them! There are narrow stairways and footpaths that weave between the villas and the jungle. We found a few that lead directly down to the water, away from the crowds of Los Muertos.
Playa Amapas is a total gem. It is a small, sandy cove that is much more private than the main beaches. To get there, you take a little stone path that hugs the coastline. It feels so romantic to walk hand-in-hand while the waves crash against the rocks right below you. We spent so many mornings just sitting on the sand here, watching the water.
If you are feeling adventurous, you can keep walking south. The path continues toward Conchas Chinas, which has some of the most beautiful tide pools and rocky inlets in the bay. It is a scenic coastal stroll that we highly recommend. It doesn't even feel like a hike because the views are so distracting!
Living Like a Local
When we weren't exploring trails, we were enjoying our "home" in the neighborhood. We stayed in a spot that felt truly authentic. Amapas has a great mix of modern amenities and traditional Mexican charm. You will see beautiful tiled entrances and lush gardens everywhere you look.
We often started our day with a quick walk down to a local café for a coffee before heading back to the apartment to work. Speaking of work, the internet in these modern Amapas condos is fantastic. We never had an issue with video calls or uploading big files. It made the "work" part of our trip feel effortless.
If you are planning your own escape, you should definitely look to rent apartments in puerto vallarta that put you right in the middle of this local vibe. There is nothing better than having your own kitchen and a balcony where you can drink your morning coffee while looking at the trees. It beats a sterile hotel room every single time!
Finding Balance
We are big believers in balancing work and play. In Amapas, that balance is built-in. After a few hours of deep work, we would take a break to hike one of the trails behind the neighborhood. The Sierra Madre mountains have some incredible paths if you know where to look.
We followed a few trails that go deep into the greenery. It is so quiet up there! You can hear the wind in the trees and see the whole bay laid out below you. It really helps clear your head. If you love a good view as much as we do, you should check out our post on The View from Above to see more about the mountain magic here.
We also made sure to keep our mornings slow and intentional. Whether it was a quick meditation or just stretching on the balcony, the atmosphere in Amapas makes it so easy. We actually wrote a bit about this in our post on Mindful Mornings. It is amazing how much a peaceful environment can change your whole mood.
Evenings in Amapas
While we love the quiet of the neighborhood, we also love that the food and fun are so close. We would often walk down the hill in the late afternoon. It only takes about 10 or 15 minutes to reach the heart of the Zona Romántica. We would grab a quick bite at a local taco stand or sit at a small restaurant by the river.
The walk back up the hill helped us walk off all those tacos! Plus, the neighborhood is very safe and well-lit. We always felt comfortable walking home after a night out. There is something so special about leaving the bustling crowds behind and entering the cool, quiet air of the Amapas hillside.
We didn't miss the noise of the city at all. In fact, we slept better in Amapas than we have in years! The lack of traffic noise and the comfortable sea breeze were exactly what we needed. It really is a sanctuary for couples who want to reconnect and relax.
Why We Recommend Amapas
If you want a trip that feels special, you have to stay here. It isn't just about the beach or the bars; it's about the feeling of being tucked away in the jungle. It is romantic, peaceful, and incredibly beautiful. We LOVE how it feels like a completely different world even though it is right next to the action.
Whether you are here for a week or a month, Amapas will steal your heart. We are already planning our next visit! We miss those jungle vines and the hidden paths every day. If you are a couple looking for that perfect mix of adventure and relaxation, this neighborhood is highly recommended!
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