We have been living and breathing Puerto Vallarta for our entire lives. Honestly, there is nothing like waking up and seeing the Sierra Madre mountains on one side and the sparkling Bay of Banderas on the other. It never gets old!!
If you are looking for the perfect spot for your next trip, you have probably heard of the Romantic Zone. We LOVE it there, but if you want something a little more tucked away and peaceful, you have to look at Amapas.
Amapas is that beautiful, green hillside neighborhood just south of the main pier. It is where the jungle literally meets the sea. For us, it represents the absolute best of "Authentic Vallarta."
It is quiet, it is lush, and it feels like a secret garden overlooking the rest of the city. But the best part? You are still only a 10-minute walk from all the tacos and nightlife in Old Town.
Why Couples Fall in Love with Amapas
If you are traveling as a couple, Amapas is a total dream. While the Romantic Zone is famous for its energy and busy beach clubs, Amapas offers a sense of privacy that is hard to find anywhere else.
We always tell our guests that Amapas is for the people who want to hear the ocean waves and the birds in the morning, not the sound of a nearby bar. It is incredibly romantic to sit on a balcony with a coffee and just watch the boats go by in the bright daylight.
The streets here are steep, which means almost every building has a jaw-dropping view of the water. It is the kind of place where you can really disconnect from the world and just focus on each other.
Plus, because it is a residential neighborhood, you get a real feel for local life. You’ll see neighbors greeting each other and plenty of tropical greenery that makes every walk feel like a mini-hike through paradise.
The Ultimate Spot for the Puerto Vallarta Digital Nomad
If you are a puerto vallarta digital nomad, you know that finding the right environment is everything. You need fast internet, a quiet space to focus, and a great vibe to keep you motivated.
Amapas is our top pick for remote workers who want to get stuff done. Because the neighborhood is quieter than Centro or the main part of the Romantic Zone, you don't have to worry about loud music or street noise during your Zoom calls.
Many of our puerto vallarta vacation condos in this area are specifically set up with workspaces that look out over the ocean. Believe us, answering emails is way less stressful when you can look up and see whales splashing in the bay!
When you need a break from your screen, you can just wander down the hill. In our experience, the walk down to the cafes in Old Town is the perfect way to clear your head.
If you are looking for more tips on how to balance work and play, check out our Digital Nomad Life in Amapas: Peace, Quiet, and High-Speed WiFi. It covers all the best spots for WiFi and coffee!
Hidden Beaches and Secret Coves
One of the biggest reasons Amapas is one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Puerto Vallarta is the beach access. Most people stick to Playa Los Muertos because it is easy to find, but we have a secret for you.
Just south of the main beach, past the big rocks, is Playa Amapas. It is a tiny, gorgeous cove that feels completely different from the main town beach. There are no rows of umbrellas or loud music here.
It is mostly locals and a few savvy travelers who know the path. The water is clear, the sand is golden, and it is the perfect place for a quiet swim. If you keep walking south along the coastal path, you will reach the tide pools of Conchas Chinas.
We HIGHLY recommend taking an afternoon to just explore these little coves. It is one of those "Solo Serenity" experiences that makes you feel like you have found your own private island. We actually wrote a whole post about finding that kind of peace in our Solo Serenity guide!
Where to Stay in Amapas
Since we are a family-run business, we only offer places that we would want to stay in ourselves. For the Amapas area, we have two absolute favorites that we know you will LOVE.
First up is Casa Mi Sueño. This place is truly a "dream house." It is part of our collection of puerto vallarta condo rentals that combine traditional Mexican charm with all the modern comforts you need. The views from here are simply UNREAL. You get that perfect mix of jungle green and ocean blue.
If you are looking for something super sleek and modern, you have to see Casa CC. This is one of the premier condo and apartment rentals puerto vallarta has to offer. It is bright, airy, and has those massive windows that let in all the natural light. It is perfect for a couple or a solo traveler who wants a high-end feel in an authentic neighborhood.
Both of these properties are located so that you get the quiet of Amapas but are still just a short walk away from zona romantica puerto vallarta rentals and all the action.
The "Amapas Workout"
We have to be honest with you: Amapas is on a hill! If you are staying here, you are going to get your steps in. We call it the "Amapas Workout."
Most of the streets are paved with stones, and there are several sets of stairs that lead down to the beach and the main road. While it might sound like a lot, it is actually one of the things we love most about the area.
Walking through the neighborhood gives you a chance to see all the beautiful villas and gardens. Plus, it means you can eat as many tacos as you want in Old Town because you’ll burn them off on the way back up!
If you aren't in the mood for a walk, Ubers and taxis are everywhere and very easy to use. But trust us, the view from the top is always worth the climb.
Coffee and Coworking Nearby
Even though Amapas is residential, you are never far from a great cup of coffee. As a puerto vallarta digital nomad, you’ll likely spend some of your afternoons in the cafes just down the hill.
Spots like The Green Place or A Page in the Sun are local favorites. They have great WiFi and a friendly atmosphere where you can meet other travelers. We love grabbing a fresh juice and knocking out a few hours of work before heading back to the peace of our condo in Amapas.
Final Thoughts on Amapas
Amapas is truly special. It is for the traveler who wants more than just a standard hotel room. It is for those who want to feel the soul of Puerto Vallarta: the humidity of the jungle, the salt in the air, and the kindness of a local neighborhood.
Whether you are looking for rental properties in puerto vallarta for a romantic week away or you need a long-term base for remote work, Amapas is a choice you won't regret. It offers a level of beauty and tranquility that is hard to match.
We would LOVE to host you at one of our family-owned spots. There is nothing we enjoy more than greeting our guests and sharing our favorite local tips to make your trip unforgettable!
If you want to see more of what life is like here, come follow us on Instagram! We post daily updates, local food finds, and plenty of those amazing mountain views.
See you in Vallarta!
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