We absolutely LOVE waking up in Puerto Vallarta. There is something so special about the morning air here. It feels fresh and full of possibilities. Most people think of our home as just a beach town. But for us at The PVGirl, it is so much more. We are surrounded by the stunning Sierra Madre mountains. They are covered in deep green jungle. And the best part? You can explore them without even getting in a car.
If you are staying in one of our rental properties in puerto vallarta, you are in luck. You are likely just steps away from the Amapas hike. We do this walk all the time. It is our favorite way to clear our heads. It is also a perfect romantic activity for couples. You get to see a side of the city that most tourists miss.
The Amapas trail is a coastal path. It connects the busy Zona Romántica to the quieter coves of Conchas Chinas. It is easy enough for almost anyone. But it still feels like a real adventure. You will walk over rocks, through soft sand, and under a canopy of tropical trees.
Where the Adventure Begins
The hike starts right at the south end of Playa de los Muertos. This is the heart of Old Town. We always start our walk near the iconic pier. You just head south along the sand. You will pass all the beach clubs and the crowds. Keep walking until the beach seems to end.
You will see a rocky outcrop. Don't stop there! There is a little path that leads up and over. This is the official start of the Amapas hike. We love how the atmosphere changes instantly. The music from the beach clubs fades away. All you hear are the waves crashing against the rocks. It is sooo peaceful.
If you are a puerto vallarta digital nomad, this is the perfect morning routine. You can get your steps in before your first meeting. It is much better than a gym! We highly recommend it to keep your energy up.
Lush Greenery and Hidden Beaches
As you climb over the first set of rocks, you reach Playa Amapas. This beach is much quieter than Los Muertos. It is a great spot to stop for a minute. We often see local fishermen here. The jungle grows right down to the sand. The Sierra Madre greenery is so vibrant. It makes for some AMAZING photos.
The trail continues south from here. You will follow a narrow path that hugs the coast. Sometimes you are walking on dirt. Other times you are stepping over smooth stones. We think this is the best part. It feels like a secret passage.
You will pass through a sequence of small, hidden coves. These are the "four beaches" that locals talk about. Each one is a little different. Some have tide pools. Others have soft golden sand. Because these spots are harder to reach, they are usually very quiet. It is very romantic for a couple's stroll.
A Break for the Modern Worker
Living as a puerto vallarta digital nomad can be busy. We know you need to stay productive. But you also need to enjoy where you live! That is why we love our Hummingbird unit. It is one of our top puerto vallarta digital nomad spots. It has the space you need to work. But it is also so close to trails like this.
Taking a midday hike is a total game changer. The salt air and the jungle views help you focus. We find our best ideas come when we are out in nature. Plus, you get to see incredible wildlife. Keep an eye out for iguanas sunning themselves on the rocks. You might even see pelicans diving for fish in the bay.
Our puerto vallarta apartments are designed for this lifestyle. Take The Nest for example. It is cozy and perfectly located. It makes it so easy to balance work and adventure. You can find more tips on this in our post about creating the perfect couples escape in Puerto Vallarta.
Reaching Conchas Chinas
The trail ends near the Lindo Mar resort in Conchas Chinas. This area is famous for its turquoise water. The sand here is full of tiny white shells. It is truly beautiful. Once you reach this point, you have two options.
You can walk back the way you came. We usually do this because the views are different heading north. You get a great look at the Puerto Vallarta skyline. Or, you can walk up to the main road. From there, you can catch a quick taxi or bus back to Old Town.
If you are feeling energetic, you can keep going! There are stairs that lead up into the hills of Conchas Chinas. The views from the top are breath-taking. You can see the whole Bay of Banderas. It is one of the reasons why Zona Romántica rentals are the perfect escape for couples.
Practical Tips for Your Hike
We want you to have the best time possible. Here are a few things we have learned:
- Check the Tide: It is easiest to walk the rocks at low or mid tide. If the tide is very high, some sections might get a little splashy!
- Wear the Right Shoes: You don't need heavy hiking boots. But don't wear flip-flops. Secure sandals or light sneakers are best for the rocky parts.
- Stay Hydrated: Even though it is a short hike, the humidity is real. Bring a bottle of water with you.
- No Sunsets on the Trail: While sunsets are beautiful, the trail gets dark quickly. We recommend finishing your hike while it is still bright out for safety.
- Respect Nature: We love our community and our land. Please don't leave any trash behind.
At The PVGirl, we are a family-run business. We grew up here. We want you to love this city as much as we do. That is why we share these "off-the-beaten-path" spots with our guests. We provide a personal touch that you won't get from big hotels. We will even greet you when you arrive!
Final Thoughts
The Amapas hike is such a simple joy. It doesn't cost anything. It doesn't require a tour guide. It is just you, your partner, and the beautiful Mexican coast. Whether you are here for a week of vacation or staying for months as a digital nomad, you have to try it.
We are so lucky to call this place home. Exploring the natural beauty of the Sierra Madre is something we never get tired of. If you are looking for a unique and authentic experience, this hike is for you. We highly recommend it to everyone staying with us!
See you on the trail!
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