I have lived in Puerto Vallarta for a long time. I have seen the city grow and change. Most visitors head straight for the sand and stay right on the water. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE our beaches! But there is a secret side to this city that most couples miss out on.
It is the hills of Amapas.
If you want a truly authentic local experience, you have to look up. Just a few blocks away from the noise of the beach clubs, things start to change. The air feels fresher. The sounds of the city fade away. Instead, you hear the birds in the jungle and the wind in the trees.
We always tell our guests that Amapas is "away from the city, but still in the city." It is the perfect middle ground. You get the peace of a mountain retreat but you can still walk to a world-class dinner in minutes.
It is sooo romantic.
Why the Jungle Vibe Wins Every Time
When you stay in Amapas, you are surrounded by the Sierra Madre mountains. The greenery is everywhere! It feels like the jungle is hugging the buildings. For couples, this creates a sense of privacy that you just can't find in a big resort.
The streets here are cobblestone. They wind up the hills and offer glimpses of the blue bay at every turn. It is quiet. It is peaceful. It feels like a hidden world.
We see so many couples choosing this area because they want more than just a tan. They want to wake up to a panoramic view that takes their breath away. They want to drink coffee on a balcony while watching the sunrise over the mountains.
It is the best local escapes that make a trip special. Amapas is exactly that.
A Room with a View at Casa Mi Sueño
If you are looking for that perfect "wow" moment, you have to see Casa Mi Sueño. This is a one-bedroom apartment that we are so proud of. It is specifically designed for couples who want to feel at home while they explore.
The best part? The windows. They are huge! You get a panoramic view of the bay and the mountains from almost every corner.
Imagine waking up and the first thing you see is the sparkling blue water of the Pacific. You don't even have to get out of bed!
It is tucked away in the hills, about 4 blocks from Los Muertos Beach. This means you are close to everything but away from the crowd. We love the layout because it feels open and bright.
One thing to know: there are 14 steps down to reach the apartment. This keeps it feeling very private and secluded. Because of these steps and the layout, we don't allow kids here. It is strictly for couples or solo travelers who want a quiet, adult atmosphere.
It is AMAZING for sunset watching with a glass of wine!
Getting Cozy at Casa Hummingbird
If you prefer a more open, studio feel, Casa Hummingbird is a dream. We call it Casa Colibri in Spanish, and it really lives up to the name.
This space is surrounded by nature. You literally feel like you are living in the treetops. It has those same massive glass windows that let in all the natural light.
The design is very modern but cozy. It has a great kitchen if you want to cook a romantic meal together using fresh ingredients from the local markets.
Just like our other unit, there are steps to get here: 38 to be exact! It is a bit of a workout, but the reward is the peace and quiet at the top. The city sounds just disappear.
We highly recommend this spot for digital nomads too. The view is a lot better than a boring office wall!
The Magic of an Amapas Morning
Mornings in Amapas are my favorite. While the rest of the city is still sleeping, the hills come alive.
We suggest waking up early at least once. The sunrises here are colorful and vibrant. The sky turns shades of purple, orange, and pink.
Because Amapas is higher up, you get a different perspective. You can see the whole curve of the bay. You can see the fishing boats heading out for the day.
It is a great time for a quiet stroll. The air is cool and the streets are empty. It is just you, your partner, and the sound of the jungle.
If you want to see more photos of these incredible mornings, check out our Instagram! We post a lot of local scenes that you won't find in travel brochures.
Walking to the Heart of the Action
A lot of people worry that staying in the hills means they are far from the fun. That is not true at all!
Amapas is right next to Zona Romántica (also known as Old Town). It is only about a 5 to 10-minute walk down the hill.
You can spend your day at the beach, eat at the amazing taco stands, or go for a quiet side of the Malecón walk. Everything is right there.
Then, when the sun goes down and the clubs start pumping the music, you walk back up to your quiet sanctuary. You get the best sleep of your life because it is so silent up here.
It truly is the best of both worlds.
Why We LOVE Helping Couples
As a family-run business, we take a lot of pride in what we do. We were born and raised here in Puerto Vallarta. We don't just give you a key and walk away.
We greet you. We show you the best off-the-beaten-path tours. We tell you which restaurants the locals actually go to.
We want you to fall in love with our city as much as we have.
Staying in Amapas is a choice to see the real Puerto Vallarta. It is a choice to support a local business. And it is a choice to have a vacation that feels personal and special.
Practical Tips for Your Hillside Stay
If you are planning to stay in Amapas, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Wear comfortable shoes: The cobblestones are beautiful but they can be uneven. Save the fancy heels for dinner!
- Embrace the steps: The steps are what give you those incredible views. Think of it as a way to earn that extra margarita.
- Bring a camera: You will want to take photos of the view every single day. The light changes constantly!
- Enjoy the privacy: This isn't a place for big parties. It is a place for quiet conversations and relaxation.
Final Thoughts
If you are tired of the "cookie-cutter" vacation, come stay with us in the hills.
Amapas offers a romantic, jungle-filled experience that you won't find anywhere else in PV. It is authentic. It is beautiful. And it is waiting for you.
We highly recommended booking early because these views go fast! We would LOVE to host you and show you why the hills are the best place to be.
See you in paradise!
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