I have lived in Puerto Vallarta my entire life.
Growing up here, you learn which spots are for the tourists and which spots are for the locals who just want a little peace.
For me, that "zen" spot has always been Amapas.
It is honestly one of the most magical neighborhoods in the whole city.
Whether you are traveling as a couple looking for romance or you are a solo digital nomad trying to get some work done in peace, Amapas is the place to be.
I LOVE how this area feels like a secret garden hidden right above the busy streets of the Romantic Zone.
It is the perfect blend of being close to everything but feeling like you are a world away in the jungle.
The Magic of the Amapas Vibe
When you walk through Amapas, the first thing you notice is the sound.
Instead of car horns and loud music, you hear the birds.
It is AMAZING how much the Sierra Madre jungle influences the atmosphere here.
The neighborhood is built right into the hillside, so you are literally surrounded by massive palm trees and tropical greenery.
Everything is so lush and vibrant!!
If you are a solo traveler looking to reset, this neighborhood offers a kind of quiet you won't find anywhere else in the city center.
It is my favorite place to just sit on a balcony and watch the ocean.
A Quiet Retreat for Couples
For couples, Amapas is incredibly romantic.
There is something so special about being tucked away in the hills with your favorite person.
You get to experience the beauty of the bay without the crowds.
We always tell our guests that if they want to feel like they have their own private sanctuary, they should stay in this area.
It is so much fun to explore the winding streets and find little hidden viewpoints together.
If you feel like being a bit more social, you are just a short walk away from the action.
You can easily head down for A Romantic Stroll along the quiet parts of the coast before heading back up to your peaceful home.
It really is the best of both worlds.
The Nest: Your Personal Sanctuary
One of my favorite places in this neighborhood is definitely The PVGirl.
We call it The Nest because it truly feels like a cozy hideaway tucked into the trees.
It is a spacious studio that was designed specifically for relaxation and escape.
My favorite part of this unit is the chair swing on the balcony.
Imagine waking up, making a fresh cup of local coffee, and sitting in that swing while you look out over the bay.
It is SOOO peaceful!
The unit has these big, tall glass windows that let in all the natural light and show off the jungle views.
It is perfect for couples because it feels very intimate and private.
Just keep in mind that there are 24 steps to access the apartment, so it keeps you fit!
It is not suitable for anyone with mobility issues, which makes it even better for those looking for a quiet, adult-focused stay.
Zen for the Solo Remote Worker
If you are a digital nomad, you know how hard it can be to find a workspace that is actually quiet.
Puerto Vallarta is a bustling city, and while the energy is great, sometimes you just need to focus.
I wrote about this before in my post about being Solo in the City, and Amapas really is the solution.
You get the high-speed WiFi you need, but you also get the mental clarity that comes from being surrounded by nature.
Working from a balcony with a view of the mountains and the ocean makes the workday go by so much faster.
It is so much better than being stuck in a dark office or a noisy cafe.
In Amapas, you can work for a few hours and then take a break by walking down to the beach.
Hummingbird: A Nature Lover's Dream
If you are looking for more condos for rent in puerto vallarta, you have to check out Hummingbird.
This is another one of our family-owned studios in the same building.
It has that same wide-open concept that we love, giving you plenty of space to breathe and relax.
What I LOVE about Hummingbird is how it feels like a peaceful hideaway in the hills.
It is surrounded by nature, and at the end of the day, the sounds of the city just fade away into the background.
It is the perfect retreat for anyone seeking a stay that feels both central and serene.
Like The Nest, it has some steps to get to it (38 steps this time!), but the view and the peace are 100% worth the climb.
It is a true chance to experience Puerto Vallarta like a local, away from the big resort crowds.
Exploring the Local Flavor
Even though Amapas is quiet, you are never far from incredible food.
Since our family was born and raised here, we always recommend skipping the fancy tourist spots and finding the local gems.
There are some AMAZING taco stands just a short walk away toward the bottom of the hill.
The flavors are so authentic and fresh!
There is nothing better than grabbing a few tacos and heading back up to your balcony to enjoy them in the peace of the evening.
One of our favorite things to do is walk the "secret" seaside path that goes from Amapas toward Conchas Chinas.
It is a beautiful walk that takes you past rocky coves and little tide pools.
If you go early in the morning, you might even have a little cove all to yourself.
It is very meditative and a great way to start your day.
Why We Love What We Do
Running a family business here is a dream come true for us.
We love greeting our guests and showing them the "real" Puerto Vallarta.
When you stay with us, you aren't just a number in a big hotel system.
You are staying in a home that our family built and cares for.
We want you to feel that same "zen" that we feel every day living here.
Supporting local family businesses is so important, and we are so grateful for every guest who chooses to stay with us.
We are always here to give you the best insider tips on where to eat and what to see.
If you want to stay updated on all things Puerto Vallarta and see more of our local life, make sure to follow us on Facebook.
Final Thoughts
Amapas really is the soul of the south side of Puerto Vallarta.
It offers a level of tranquility that is hard to find anywhere else, especially so close to the center of town.
Whether you are here for a romantic getaway or you are working remotely as a solo traveler, you will find your zen here.
The combination of the jungle, the ocean views, and the authentic local feel is just unbeatable.
We highly recommend staying in Amapas for your next trip!
You will leave feeling refreshed, recharged, and totally in love with our beautiful city.
We can't wait to welcome you to the family!
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