I absolutely love the energy of Puerto Vallarta. There is just something about the air here that makes you want to slow down and enjoy every single second. But I also know that when you are planning your trip, choosing where to stay can feel like a huge decision. You want to be close to the fun, the food, and the bars, but you also probably want a place where you can actually sleep at night. That is why I always tell people that the Amapas neighborhood is the ultimate secret for the perfect balance.
We have lived in this city our whole lives, and we have seen how much people love the vibe of Old Town. It is the heart of everything! But Old Town can be loud. It is busy, it is vibrant, and it never really stops. Amapas is right next door, but it feels like a completely different world. It is a quiet hideaway tucked into the hills of the Sierra Madre. You get the best of both worlds: the peace of the jungle and the proximity to the party.
If you are looking for apartments for rent in puerto vallarta, you really have to consider this area. It is one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Puerto Vallarta because you aren't stuck in the middle of a noisy street, but you can still be at Los Muertos Beach in about five minutes.
Why We Love the Amapas Vibe
Amapas is where the mountains meet the sea. Because it is built on the hillside, the views are absolutely incredible. I am talking about full, panoramic views of Banderas Bay that will take your breath away. When we are at our properties in Amapas, we spend most of our time just staring at the water. It is so peaceful.
The neighborhood is much more residential than the flat parts of the Romantic Zone. You won’t find giant high-rise hotels here. Instead, it is full of beautiful, low-rise condos and villas that feel authentic. The streets are lined with lush greenery and tropical flowers. It feels like you are staying in a jungle oasis, but you are still in the city.
One of the things I appreciate most is the silence. After a long day of exploring or a night out at the bars in Old Town, coming back to Amapas is like a breath of fresh air. You don't hear the music from the clubs or the constant buzz of traffic. You just hear the birds and the wind. It is the kind of quiet that makes you actually feel rested when you wake up.
The Walk to Old Town
A lot of people ask me if Amapas is too far away. My answer is always a big NO!! It is literally right there. If you stay in Lower Amapas, you are just a few blocks away from the start of the Romantic Zone. You can walk down the hill and be on Olas Altas street in no time.
The walk is actually quite nice. You get to see the local architecture and maybe even spot some wildlife in the trees. It is mostly downhill on the way there, which is super easy. The way back up can be a bit of a workout because of the hills, but it is totally manageable. And if you don't feel like walking up, an Uber or a taxi is incredibly fast and easy to get.
Being this close means you never feel like you are missing out. You can head into town for a delicious dinner, grab some tacos at a street stand, or do some shopping in the galleries. Then, when you've had your fill of the excitement, you just head back up to your quiet sanctuary. It is the perfect setup for couples or solo travelers who want a bit of everything.
Spotlight on Casa CC
If you want to experience this balance for yourself, you have to check out Casa CC. This property is one of our favorites because it perfectly captures that Amapas magic. It is a beautiful 1-bedroom unit that is designed for relaxation.
The first thing you will notice at Casa CC is the view. It has these massive windows that look right out over the ocean and the mountains. It is so bright and airy! We made sure it has everything you need for a comfortable stay, whether you are here for a week or a month. It is a great spot if you want a quiet place to recharge, and you can read more in The Perfect Romantic Weekend in Puerto Vallarta: A Couple's Itinerary. You can get your work done while looking at the sea, and then walk into town for a celebratory drink afterward.
Proximity to the Best of Old Town
While Amapas is your quiet home base, Old Town is your playground. We love that we can walk from our front door and be at some of the best restaurants in the city within minutes. The energy in the Romantic Zone is infectious. There is always something happening, whether it is a local festival, a farmer's market, or just the general buzz of people enjoying their vacation.
If you prefer to be even closer to the flat streets while still enjoying a modern, comfortable space, puerto vallarta old town condo rentals like Casa Vizcarra 2 are an amazing choice. It is just five blocks from the beach! You get that local, authentic neighborhood feel without having to climb the big Amapas hills. It is a stylish studio that puts you right in the mix of things while still providing a private, clean space to relax.
We really take pride in making sure all our properties feel like home. Because we are a family-run business, we care about the details. We want you to love this city as much as we do! We are always happy to give you the "inside scoop" on where to find the best ceviche or which hiking trails are the most beautiful during the day.
Living the Digital Nomad Life
Speaking of hiking and exploring, many of our guests are now staying for longer periods. We are seeing so many people choosing to work remotely from Puerto Vallarta, and it makes total sense! Why work from a gray office when you can work from a sun-drenched balcony?
Living here is such a unique experience. You get to balance your professional life with an incredible outdoor lifestyle. You can finish your emails and then go for a hike in the Sierra Madre or take a quick dip in the ocean. Staying in a neighborhood like Amapas makes this even better because you have the peace you need to focus, but the social life of Old Town is right there when you are ready to log off. If you want another good read before your trip, check out Digital Nomad Life for Couples: How to Stay Productive and Connected in PV.
A Recommendation from the Locals
We always tell our friends and guests that if you want the "true" Puerto Vallarta experience, you have to find that sweet spot between nature and the city. Amapas gives you exactly that. You get the jungle sounds, the ocean breezes, and the stunning heights of the mountains, all while being a stone's throw from the best fish tacos of your life.
Whether you choose the hillside views of Casa CC or the street-level charm of Casa Vizcarra 2, you are going to have an AMAZING time. We are so grateful to be able to share our family’s condos with you and help you discover the magic of our hometown.
If you are ready to book your next escape, we highly recommend checking out our available units! We can't wait to welcome you to the neighborhood.
For more local tips and beautiful photos of our city, check us out on X. We love sharing the beauty of Puerto Vallarta with the world!!
See you in the sun!
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