We absolutely LOVE walking through Puerto Vallarta. My partner and I have spent years exploring every corner of this city. But our hearts always belong to Amapas. It is such a special neighborhood for couples. It has that perfect mix of jungle vibes and beach access.
People often ask us how to see the "real" Vallarta. They want to avoid the big resorts. They want to skip the crowded tours. Our answer is always the same: put on your walking shoes and head to Amapas. It is one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Puerto Vallarta. We find it so romantic to just wander without a plan.
Today, we want to share our favorite walking route. This is our go-to path when we want a "local gems" day. It is quiet, beautiful, and full of character. Best of all, it doesn't involve any rooftops or sunset crowds!
Starting High in Amapas
Our walk usually starts high up on the hillside. We love the fresh air here. The mountain views are just incredible. You can see the whole bay sparkling in the midday sun. It is so much better than being stuck in a dark lobby.
We like to take the stairs down toward the ocean. These stairs are tucked away between villas. They feel like a secret passage. You will see so many tropical plants along the way. The greenery is so thick it feels like a private jungle.
If you are staying in one of our puerto vallarta condo rentals, you are already in the heart of this. We specifically chose our properties because of these walks. We want our guests to feel like they live here. Not just like they are visiting.
The Coffee Stop
By the time we hit the flat streets, we are ready for a treat. We usually head straight into the Zona Romántica. It is right next door to Amapas. We don't see them as different areas. They just flow into each other!
We always look for the smallest cafes. There are so many hidden spots on the side streets. We avoid the big chains. We want that local roast! Sitting outside with a cold brew is the best. We love to just watch the world go by.
You will see fruit vendors and local shop owners. Everyone is so friendly. It makes us so grateful to call this place home. If you want to find these spots, you should check out our guide on Hidden Paths and Jungle Vines. It has all the details on where to turn.
Hummingbird Vibes
One of our favorite places to stay for this walk is Hummingbird. It is one of our most popular condos for rent in puerto vallarta. It is perfectly situated for walkers. You can head out the door and be at the beach in minutes.
But you can also head the other way. You can walk into the quietest parts of the jungle. We love the peace there. It is so quiet you can hear the birds singing. It is perfect for couples who want to disconnect. No noise. No crowds. Just you and the trees.
The Beach Stroll
Next, we always walk toward Los Muertos Pier. Even after years here, it still looks AMAZING. The architecture is so unique. It looks like a giant sail in the water. We like to walk all the way to the end.
The breeze out there is so refreshing. We never get tired of the view. The water is so blue during the day. It really pops against the white sand. We highly recommend doing this in the morning or early afternoon. The light is so bright and clean.
We usually walk hand-in-hand along the shoreline. We avoid the busy beach clubs. We prefer the quiet spots where the locals hang out. It feels so much more authentic. We love seeing the fishermen with their boats. It reminds us of the history of this town.
Backstreet Art and Culture
After the beach, we head inland. We love the backstreets of the south side. This is where you find the best art galleries. There are so many talented local artists here. We love the Huichol beadwork especially. The colors are so VIBRANT!
We often stop to talk to the gallery owners. They have so many stories to share. This is what we mean by "insider knowledge." We want our guests to have these experiences too. It is why we always greet you in person. We want to tell you where to find the best handmade crafts.
Casa Vizcarra 1: Our Family Home
As we head back toward the hillside, we often pass Casa Vizcarra 1. This is such a special place for us. It is part of our family legacy. We poured so much love into this property. It is modern and bright, but it still feels like Mexico.
It is one of our top puerto vallarta condo rentals. Couples love it because it is so spacious. You have all the room you need to relax. The large windows let in so much natural light. It feels so open and airy.
We think it is the perfect base for a walking tour. You are close enough to the action, but far enough away to sleep soundly. There are no noisy bars right outside. Just the sound of the wind in the trees. It is SOOO relaxing!
A Local Lunch
Before we finish our walk, we always stop for food. We look for the most colorful taco stands. You can smell the grilled meat from blocks away! We love the ones where the locals are lined up. That is how you know it is good.
We never worry about "fancy" dining. The best food is often on a paper plate! We love trying different salsas. Some are very spicy, so be careful! But they are all delicious. It is such a fun part of the experience. We highly recommend trying a new stand every day.
Why We Love Amapas
This neighborhood is truly a gem. It offers a side of Puerto Vallarta that many miss. It is about slow mornings and long walks. It is about noticing the small details. Like the way the bougainvillea spills over a wall. Or the way the light hits the cobblestones.
We are so proud to run a family business here. We love supporting our community. When you stay with us, you are supporting local families too. We think that makes the vacation even better. You aren't just a tourist. You are part of the neighborhood!
If you are planning a trip, we would LOVE to host you. Whether you choose Hummingbird or Casa Vizcarra 1, you will have an amazing time. We will make sure you have all the best walking tips!
Check out our Instagram for more local photos and tips! We post every day to show you the beauty of our home.
Puerto Vallarta is waiting for you. Come and explore it on foot. We promise you will fall in love with it just like we did. It is simply the BEST!
Highly recommended!
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