If you have ever stood on the Amapas hillside and looked down at a small, quiet crescent of sand tucked between the green cliffs and the Pacific, you have already spotted Playa Amapas. It is the kind of beach that locals keep a little close to the chest: no big resort towers, no endless rows of loungers, just warm water, smooth boulders, and the easy hum of a neighborhood that feels like home. We are lucky enough to live right above it, and guests ask us about it all the time. So here is our honest, family-tested guide to spending a perfect day at Playa Amapas.<\/p>\n
Playa Amapas sits at the southern edge of Puerto Vallarta, just past Los Muertos Beach, in the Amapas neighborhood. Because it is a little harder to reach than the main town beaches, it stays calm and uncrowded, even in high season. You will share the sand with morning swimmers, a few local families, and the occasional fisherman, not a wall of beach umbrellas. If you are searching for a hidden gem in Puerto Vallarta that is still close to everything, this is it.<\/p>\n
There is no parking lot and no grand entrance at Playa Amapas, which is exactly what keeps it peaceful. You arrive on foot, and the walk is part of the charm.<\/p>\n
If you are staying in the hills above the bay, the beach is a short downhill stroll. From our Amapas condos, you walk toward the coast and follow the stepped pathways that thread between the buildings. Coming back up is the real workout, so take your time, enjoy the viewpoints, and save a little energy for the climb.<\/p>\n
From Zona Romantica, head south along the coast past Los Muertos Beach and keep going. You can follow the shoreline where the path allows, or take the stairs that drop down from the Amapas road. It is roughly a 15 to 25 minute walk from the heart of Old Town, depending on how often you stop to take photos. Comfortable shoes beat flip flops on the way down, and they make the return much easier.<\/p>\n
Playa Amapas is a natural, low-key beach, so a little planning goes a long way.<\/p>\n
The sand here changes with the tide. At low tide you get a generous stretch of beach and calm, shallow water that is lovely for a swim. At high tide the cove narrows and the waves reach further up the shore, so it helps to check the tide chart for the day. Mornings are the calmest and the coolest, which makes them our favorite time to visit.<\/p>\n
There is not much natural shade on the sand, so bring a hat, sunscreen, and something to sit on. You will see the occasional vendor walking by with snacks or cold drinks, but do not count on it, so pack water. If you want a lounger, a cocktail, and a bathroom nearby, the beach clubs along Los Muertos are just a short walk back up the coast.<\/p>\n
Here is how we would spend the day if it were ours, from first light to golden hour.<\/p>\n
Arrive early, while the water is glassy and the beach is nearly empty. Spread your towel, wade in, and float. This is the hour for a slow swim, a good book, and the sound of the waves with almost no one else around. It is the purest version of Playa Amapas.<\/p>\n
By noon the sun is strong, so do what the locals do and head back into town for lunch. Old Town Puerto Vallarta is full of family-run spots for tacos, ceviche, and fresh fruit, and it is only a short walk from the beach. Order something cold, sit in the shade, and let the hottest part of the day pass by.<\/p>\n
Head back down in the late afternoon, when the cliffs turn amber and the light softens over the bay. The water is warm, the day trippers have gone, and the cove belongs to whoever is willing to make the walk. Stay for the sunset. It is the moment that makes Playa Amapas worth every step.<\/p>\n
The best part of Playa Amapas is how easy it is to reach when you stay nearby. Our family hosts a handful of condos and studios in the Amapas hillside and Zona Romantica, most of them with ocean or mountain views and all of them just a short walk from the water. Casa Mi Sueno and Casa Opportunity both sit about four blocks from Los Muertos Beach and Old Town, while The Nest (Casa Mi Nido) is a few steps further, with a pool on site and the cove within easy reach. If you would rather be right in the middle of the action, Casa Hummingbird and our Casa Vizcarra studios put you in the heart of Zona Romantica, still only minutes from Amapas.<\/p>\n
Pack light but smart: water, sunscreen, a hat, and shoes you can climb stairs in. Check the tide, start early, and treat the walk down as a little adventure. And please help us keep this cove as special as it is: take your trash with you, leave the rocks and shells where they belong, and be kind to the neighbors who call Amapas home. If you would like a personal recommendation for lunch or the best time to catch the light, just ask us. We can not wait to welcome you and point you toward our favorite quiet corner of Puerto Vallarta!<\/p>\n