We have spent so much time exploring every corner of Puerto Vallarta. After years of living here and hosting guests, we have learned one big secret. If you want romance and peace, you head to Amapas.
Amapas is like the quiet older sister of the busy Zona Romántica. They are technically part of the same neighborhood in Old Town. But the vibe changes the moment you start walking uphill. The noise of the bars fades away. The music from the beach clubs turns into the sound of birds and rustling palm leaves. It is truly magical.
For us, a perfect afternoon starts right outside our door. We love to just wander. There is no need for a map here. In fact, getting a little lost is half the fun!
The Charm of the Cobblestones
Walking through Amapas feels like stepping back in time. The streets are all cobblestone. They are narrow and winding. You will see beautiful white villas with dark wood doors. The walls are covered in the most AMAZING bright pink bougainvillea.
We always tell our guests that if you want to rent apartments in puerto vallarta, you should look for places with a view. In Amapas, the hills give you a front-row seat to the ocean. You can see the whole bay from almost any street corner. It is so romantic to just stop and look out at the blue water together.
The best part is that it stays quiet. You won't find big crowds here. It is just you, the flowers, and the sea breeze. It’s why we think puerto vallarta mexico condo rentals in this area are the absolute best for couples.
Discovering the Real Neighborhood
When you walk further into the backstreets, you see the "real" Puerto Vallarta. This isn't the tourist strip. This is where people live. You might see a neighbor watering their plants. You might hear someone laughing from a balcony above.
We love the street called Calle Púlpito. If you follow it uphill, it leads you right into the heart of the residential zone. The colors here are SOOO vibrant. We are talking deep oranges, bright yellows, and blues. It makes for the best photos!
If you are looking for a place to stay that feels like home, check out our puerto vallarta rentals old town. We really pride ourselves on giving you that local feel. We want you to feel like a neighbor, not just a visitor.
A Quiet Morning at the Market
One of our favorite things to do is wake up early. We grab a coffee and head toward the local markets. There is a small produce market on Aguacate street that we LOVE.
It is very simple and very local. You will see stacks of fresh mangoes that smell like heaven. They have the biggest papayas you have ever seen! Buying fresh fruit here is a great way to support the local community. Plus, it tastes way better than anything from a big grocery store.
After the market, we usually find a tiny cafe. There are so many hidden gems tucked away on the side streets. Sharing a pastry and a coffee in a quiet nook is the perfect start to a romantic day.
If you want more ideas on where to go, you should read our post on why Zona Romántica Puerto Vallarta rentals are the perfect escape for couples. It has so many good tips for pairs!
Hidden Beaches and Secret Paths
Everyone knows Los Muertos beach. It is iconic. But if you keep walking south through Amapas, you find Playa Amapas. This beach is much smaller and way quieter.
To get there, you take a little stone path that hugs the coast. It is a very easy walk. You get to see the waves crashing against the rocks right below you. It feels like your own private paradise. We highly recommend bringing a towel and just sitting there for an hour. It is the best place to talk and just be together.
When we stay in our condos, we love coming back from a walk like this. There is nothing like sitting on your own balcony with a cold drink. You can see the sunset colors (even if you aren't watching the sun go down!) and feel the peace of the neighborhood.
For more help picking the right spot, look at a couples' guide to the best neighborhoods to stay in Puerto Vallarta for local charm. It helps break down why we love this area so much.
Why We Love Amapas
Amapas is special because it gives you the best of both worlds. You are only a ten-minute walk from the best restaurants and galleries. But when you are done with the excitement, you have a quiet sanctuary to return to.
At The PVGirl, we want to share this feeling with you. We are a local, family-run business. We grew up here! We know which streets have the most flowers and which corners have the best views. We love greeting our guests and telling them all these little secrets.
Whether you are here for a romantic vacation or you are working remotely as a digital nomad, Amapas is the place to be. It is safe, it is beautiful, and it is full of soul. We promise you will fall in love with it just like we did.
If you are planning a trip, we would love to help you find the perfect home base. Our apartments are designed for couples who want comfort and style. We focus on providing a personal touch that you just can't get at a big hotel.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to see more of our beautiful neighborhood. We post photos of our favorite spots all the time!
We can't wait to see you here in Puerto Vallarta. A romantic stroll through Amapas is waiting for you! It is truly the best way to experience the magic of Old Town. Highly recommended!
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