I absolutely love getting lost in the hills of Puerto Vallarta.
There is something so magical about the Amapas neighborhood.
It is tucked just south of the main hustle of the Romantic Zone.
When people ask me for the best neighborhoods to stay in Puerto Vallarta, I always point them here.
It is where the lush green jungle of the Sierra Madre mountains literally meets the ocean.
I have spent countless mornings wandering these streets.
The air is always fresh, and the views are just UNBELIEVABLE!!
If you want to experience the "real" Vallarta, you have to leave the flat beach roads.
You need to head uphill.
Amapas is famous for its winding cobblestone streets and hidden shortcuts.
Most people just see the high-rise hotels in the distance.
But here, it is all about low-rise charm and local secrets.
The Magic of the Secret Staircases
One of my favorite things to do is find the "secret" stairs.
These are narrow concrete paths tucked between beautiful villas and lush gardens.
They are often signed simply as "Acceso a Playa."
If you aren't looking closely, you will miss them entirely!
I love taking the stairs from Calle Santa Barbara down toward the water.
It feels like you are walking through a private jungle.
You will pass neighborhood cats lounging in the sun and bright orange flowers falling over the walls.
It is a workout, but the views of the bay between the buildings are worth every step.
This is exactly why so many people look for puerto vallarta rentals old town specifically in this area.
You get the peace of a residential neighborhood but can be on the sand in five minutes.
Finding Your Home in the Hills
When you stay in Amapas, you want a place that feels like a sanctuary.
We are so proud to offer our rental condos in puerto vallarta unit.
It is one of our favorite puerto vallarta vacation condos because it captures that breezy, tropical energy perfectly.
The light in that condo is just AMAZING!
It is the perfect spot for a couple or a solo traveler who wants to be close to the action but needs a quiet place to recharge.
We love greeting our guests there and sharing our favorite local taco stands nearby.
Everything about it feels authentic because we are a local, family-run business.
Wandering Calle Santa Barbara
If you follow my advice, you will spend a lot of time on Calle Santa Barbara.
It is the main artery of the upper Amapas area.
I love the mix of architecture here.
You see traditional Mexican homes with thick walls and colorful tiles right next to modern, sleek designs.
It is a very quiet street compared to the lower beach roads.
I often walk this loop in the late afternoon.
You can see the locals coming home and the small tiendas (little shops) where you can grab a cold drink.
It feels very safe and very welcoming.
If you are looking for zona romantica puerto vallarta rentals that offer a bit more elevation and scenery, this is the spot.
The Path to Conchas Chinas
If you keep walking south from Amapas, you hit the trail to Conchas Chinas.
This is my secret weapon for a relaxing day.
You can walk along the rocks at low tide or stay on the upper residential paths.
The water in Conchas Chinas is so clear and blue.
It is much quieter than Los Muertos beach.
I highly recommend packing a light bag and just exploring.
There are no big commercial zones here, just beautiful homes and the sound of the waves.
It is the ultimate "solo serenity" experience.
Speaking of serenity, you have to check out condo rentals puerto vallarta mexico.
It is another one of our top Puerto Vallarta condos for rent by owner that guests just RAVE about.
The attention to detail and the local vibe make it feel like your own private home in Mexico.
Why Amapas is Great for Digital Nomads
I talk to a lot of people who are visiting as a puerto vallarta digital nomad.
They always tell me they love Amapas because it is productive.
Since it is a bit higher up, it is generally quieter during the day.
You can sit on your balcony with a coffee and actually get work done.
Then, when you finish at 5:00 PM, you just walk down those secret stairs and you are in the heart of the social scene.
It is the best of both worlds.
We wrote a whole post about Authentic Puerto Vallarta: Why We Love the Local Lifestyle (and You Will Too) that explains exactly why people are choosing these types of rentals lately.
It is all about that local connection and having a space that feels like yours.
You should also read Solo Travel in Puerto Vallarta: My Guide to Safety, Fun, and Meeting People if you want more practical tips for working remotely from here.
A Few Local Tips for Your Walk
If you are going to explore the pathways of Amapas, here is my advice:
First, wear good shoes!
The cobblestones are beautiful but they are not friendly to flip-flops.
I always wear sneakers when I am doing my neighborhood walks.
Second, carry a little bit of cash.
You might find a small local fruit vendor or a hidden café that doesn't take cards.
Supporting these small local spots is what keeps our community thriving.
Lastly, don't be afraid to say "Hola" to the neighbors.
Everyone is so friendly here.
We are so lucky to call this place home and we want you to feel that way too.
At The PVGirl, we treat every guest like family.
We don't just give you a key; we give you our favorite secrets.
Whether you are looking for a romantic escape or a solo adventure, Amapas is waiting for you.
I highly recommend taking a day to just put your phone away and wander.
You never know what hidden pathway you might find!
Don't forget to follow our adventures on Instagram for more local tips.
We can't wait to see you here in paradise!
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