I have spent the last few years traveling the world as a puerto vallarta digital nomad, and let me tell you, this city has my heart.
One of the most unique things about living here is the "commute."
Forget subways or sitting in traffic.
My commute involves tropical birds, ocean breezes, and a lot of stairs.
I live in the hills of Amapas, and I walk down to Old Town every single day for my morning coffee.
It is AMAZING.
Why Amapas is My Sanctuary
When I first looked for rentals in puerto vallarta, I wasn't sure where to land.
Old Town (or Zona Romántica, as we locals call it) is the heart of the action.
It has all the best cafés, bars, and energy.
But sometimes, you just need a little peace and quiet to actually get work done.
That is why I LOVE Amapas.
It is one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Puerto Vallarta if you want that perfect balance.
You get these incredible mountain views and a quiet atmosphere.
But you are still just a short walk away from the buzz of the city.
It’s like having a private jungle retreat that is also 10 minutes from a taco stand.
The Famous Amapas Stairs
The secret to this lifestyle is the staircases.
Amapas is built right into the hillside above the beach.
To get down to the flat streets of Old Town, you have to tackle the stairs.
Some people might call it a workout.
I call it "vacation glutes."
The walk down is easy and beautiful.
I see colorful flowers, local neighbors, and the blue water of the bay peeking through the buildings.
It only takes about 10 to 15 minutes to reach the sand at Playa Los Muertos.
Walking back up is where the real work happens.
But honestly?
After sitting at a laptop for six hours, I NEED that movement.
It clears my head and makes that first cold drink of the evening taste so much better.
A Typical Nomad Morning
My day usually starts early.
I wake up to the sound of the birds and the light hitting the Sierra Madre mountains.
I don't even look at my phone until I’ve started my walk.
I head out the door and start the descent.
By the time I reach the bottom, I am fully awake and ready to work.
I usually head to a local café for a flat white and some breakfast.
The energy in Old Town is infectious.
There are so many people from all over the world doing exactly what I am doing.
If you are a solo traveler or a couple, you will never feel lonely here.
You can read more about why this area is so special in our post about why Amapas is the romantic heart of Puerto Vallarta.
Finding the Perfect Home Base
When you are looking for condos for rent in puerto vallarta, you want a place that feels like a home.
As a digital nomad, your apartment isn't just where you sleep.
It is your office, your gym, and your sanctuary.
We stayed at the Hummingbird unit and it was absolutely perfect for our needs.
The Wi-Fi was fast, and the view from the desk kept me inspired all day long.
If you prefer something a bit different, Casa CC is another incredible option.
Both of these spots give you that authentic local feel that big agencies just can't match.
We take pride in being a family-run business born and raised right here.
We know every shortcut and every "secret" staircase.
If you're curious about what else to look for, check out our guide on looking for apartments for rent in Puerto Vallarta Mexico.
Why the Stairs are a Feature, Not a Bug
I know some people worry about the hills.
But let me tell you, the benefits far outweigh the effort.
Living in zona romantica puerto vallarta rentals right on the bar streets can be loud.
You might hear mariachis at 2:00 AM when you have a 9:00 AM Zoom call.
Up in Amapas, it is silent.
You can focus.
You can breathe.
And when you want that noise and that fun, it’s only a staircase away.
It is the ultimate work-life balance hack.
Practical Tips for Your Stair Commute
If you're planning to join us in the hills, here are a few things I've learned:
- Invest in good shoes. Those cobblestones and concrete steps are no joke. Your feet will thank you.
- Hydrate! Puerto Vallarta is tropical. You will sweat on the walk up. Always carry water.
- Take it slow. Don't race up the stairs. Enjoy the view. Stop and look at the bay.
- Time your errands. I try to do my grocery shopping at the bottom of the hill before I head home. It saves a lot of back-and-forth!
The stairs are more than just a path.
They are a part of the local culture.
You'll see neighbors chatting, artists working on murals, and cats lounging in the sun.
It makes the city feel like a small town.
I LOVE the sense of community here.
You aren't just a tourist; you are a part of the neighborhood.
Final Recommendation
If you are a nomad or a couple looking for something special, come to Amapas.
Tackle the stairs.
Embrace the "vacation glutes."
Enjoy the peace of the hillside and the energy of the town.
It is the best way to experience the REAL Puerto Vallarta.
I highly recommend it to anyone who wants more than just a standard hotel room.
Follow us on X for more tips on living your best life in paradise!
We can't wait to welcome you to our family-owned condos.
See you on the stairs!
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