We have lived in Puerto Vallarta for years, and if there is one thing we know for sure, it is where to find the best tacos.
If you are a solo traveler or a couple looking for the perfect mix of quiet jungle vibes and city action, Amapas is where you want to be. It is one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Puerto Vallarta because you get those incredible hillside views but you are still just a short walk from the best food in town.
My partner and I LOVE taking a quick stroll down the hill from our properties to grab a late-night bite. There is something so special about the smell of grilled meat and fresh tortillas hitting the air as you walk into the Zona Romántica.
If you are looking for puerto vallarta condo rentals that put you right in the heart of this taco paradise, you have to check out our favorite spots. We stay in these areas ourselves, so we only recommend what we actually eat and love!!!!
Why Amapas is a Dream for Foodies
Amapas is tucked away just south of the main city center. It is peaceful and private, which makes it perfect for a romantic getaway or a focused puerto vallarta digital nomad stint. But best of all, it is the gateway to the most legendary taco stands in the region.
When we stay at Casa Mi Sueño, we are literally minutes away from the taco action. You get to enjoy the "apartaento de mi sueno" (the apartment of my dreams!) and then walk down for a feast. It is so convenient.
1. Panchos Takos: The Legend
You cannot talk about tacos near Amapas without mentioning Panchos Takos. It is located right on Basilio Badillo and is famous for its tacos al pastor.
We always tell our guests: look for the long line! But do not let it scare you away. It moves fast and the wait is part of the experience. Watching the "pastorero" slice the marinated pork and flick a slice of pineapple right onto the taco is AMAZING.
We highly recommend the gringas here. It is al pastor meat with melted cheese on a flour tortilla. It is so juicy and flavorful!!!!
2. Tacos Sonorita: The Couple's Choice
If you want a slightly more relaxed vibe where you can actually sit down and linger, Tacos Sonorita Olas Altas is our go-to. It is just down the hill from the Amapas residential area.
The carne asada here is some of the best we have ever had. They use high-quality meat that is grilled to perfection. If you are a puerto vallarta digital nomad working from your laptop all day, this is the perfect reward after a long afternoon of Zoom calls.
We love sitting at the outdoor tables and watching the world go by. It is a great spot to people-watch while you share an order of volcanic tacos (vampiros).
3. El Puerco de Oro: For the Pork Lovers
This place is a bit of a hidden gem. It is a short trip from our zona romantica puerto vallarta rentals, and it focuses entirely on pork. They have these incredible slow-cooked pork belly tacos that will literally melt in your mouth.
The owners are so friendly and they really take pride in what they do. We always feel so welcome here. It is much smaller than Panchos, so it feels very intimate and local.
If you want to feel like a "true" local, this is where you go. We love seeing our guests find these off-the-beaten-path spots!
4. Taquería La Hormiga: The Late-Night Hero
Sometimes you just need a taco at midnight. Whether you were out dancing or just got lost in a good book on your balcony, La Hormiga is there for you.
It is a classic street stand. No frills, just GREAT food. We usually grab a few tacos de suadero and eat them standing up right there at the counter. It is fast, fresh, and cheap (though we are here for the flavor, not just the price!).
For those staying at Casa CC, this is a very easy stop on your way back up the hill. You get the best of both worlds: the energy of the street and the quiet comfort of your rental.
5. Tacos Huichos: The Local Favorite
If you want to go where the locals go, Tacos Huichos is the spot. It is a bit further into the neighborhood, but it is worth the extra few blocks of walking.
They have a huge variety of meats and their salsas are incredible. Be careful with the habanero salsa: it is sooo spicy but so good! We always get a mix of pastor and asada.
Supporting local family businesses like this is what The PVGirl is all about. We are a family-run business ourselves, so we love seeing other families succeed by providing amazing food to our community.
Tips for the Perfect Taco Crawl
If you are feeling adventurous, we suggest doing a "Taco Crawl." Start at one end of the Zona Romántica and work your way back toward Amapas.
- Share everything: Get two tacos at each stop and share them so you don't get full too fast!
- Try the Agua Fresca: The hibiscus (jamaica) or horchata at these stands is the perfect way to cool down.
- Walk it off: The walk back up to the Amapas hillside is the perfect way to digest all those delicious tortillas.
When you rent apartments puerto vallarta, you want to make sure you have a comfortable place to crash after a night of exploring. Our units are designed for exactly that. They are bright, modern, and have everything you need to feel at home.
Where to Stay for Easy Access
We truly believe that staying in a family-owned property makes your trip so much better. You get the insider knowledge that big hotel chains just can't provide.
If you are looking for a place with breathtaking views and easy access to these taco spots, we highly recommend checking out our other guides too. You can learn about hidden gems walking tours in the heart of PV to help you find your way around!
Or, if you are looking for a more peaceful experience, read our post on Solo Serenity to see how you can balance the city's energy with some quiet time.
We are so grateful to have so many amazing guests choose to stay with us. We love our city and we LOVE sharing our favorite food spots with you.
Follow us on Instagram to see more of our daily life and foodie finds in Puerto Vallarta!
Happy eating, and we can't wait to see you on the hillside!
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