There’s a certain magic that happens when you wake up in the hills of Amapas. You’ve got the rustle of tropical leaves, the distant call of exotic birds, and a view of the Bay of Banderas that’ll make you want to stay in your pajamas all day. But eventually, the siren song of the ocean gets too loud to ignore. The best part? You don't need a car, a taxi, or even a plan. You just need a solid pair of sandals and about ten minutes of your time.
The walk from the lush heights of Amapas down to the heart of Los Muertos Beach is one of those daily rituals that never gets old. It’s the perfect transition from the quiet jungle sanctuary of our Puerto Vallarta vacation rentals to the high-energy, colorful chaos of the Zona Romántica.
The 10-15 Minute Descent
Leaving your condo in Amapas, the air starts to change. You’re moving from the cooler, shaded hillside down toward the salt-sprayed warmth of the coast. The walk is a breezy 10-15 minutes, mostly downhill, winding through paths where the jungle literally leans in to say hello. You’ll see massive palm fronds and vibrant greenery that look like they’ve been dialled up in saturation.
As you reach the edge of the Zona Romántica (which we locals often just call Old Town), the quiet of the hills is replaced by the distant beat of music and the smell of sizzling garlic from nearby kitchens. It’s a short stroll, but it feels like you’re traveling between two different worlds. One minute you're in a private jungle retreat, and the next, you're stepping onto the most famous beach in Puerto Vallarta.
Arrival at Los Muertos Beach
When you hit the sand, the energy is electric! Los Muertos isn’t a place for a quiet, solitary book reading: it’s where the heart of the city beats. It’s a kaleidoscope of vendors, musicians, and travelers from every corner of the globe. The first thing you’ll notice is the iconic pier, stretching out like a modern sculpture into the turquoise water. It’s the gateway to adventure, but today, we’re staying on the sand.
Before you find your spot for the day, you might realize you forgot a few beach essentials. If that happens, don’t stress: just check out our essential PV packing list to see what you should have grabbed before leaving the house!
Toes in the Sand: The Beach Bar Crawl
This is what you came for. The stretch of Los Muertos is lined with iconic beach bars where "casual" is the only dress code. Most of these spots offer loungers and umbrellas if you’re planning to stay for a while.
- Langostinos: A total classic. It’s right near the pier and perfect for people-watching. Grab a bucket of beer and watch the water taxis come and go.
- La Palapa: If you’re feeling a bit more "refined" but still want your feet in the sand, this is the place. It’s been around forever and has that quintessential Vallarta vibe.
- El Dorado: Right next door to La Palapa, it’s vibrant, friendly, and has some of the best seating for catching the action on the water.
Ordering a drink here is an art form. Whether it’s a spicy margarita or a giant coco loco, everything tastes better when the waves are crashing just a few feet away. The servers are legendary: they’ll find you in a sea of umbrellas and make sure your glass is never empty.
Tasting the Local Flavors
While you’re lounging, you won’t even have to leave your chair to eat like a local. Beach vendors are part of the ecosystem here. Keep an eye out for the "Pescado Embarazado", literally "pregnant fish," but actually just delicious grilled fish or shrimp on a stick, marinated in lime and spices.
If you want to dive deeper into the local food scene beyond the beach, we’ve put together a guide on how to navigate the local market guide for the freshest ingredients and hidden gems.
Don't forget to try a tuba! It’s a traditional drink made from coconut palm sap, usually topped with chopped walnuts and apple. It’s refreshing, unique, and exactly what you need when the midday sun hits its peak.
Treasures on the Sand: Shopping with the Artisans
Between sips of your drink, you’ll be visited by local artisans carrying everything from hand-woven textiles to intricate beadwork. This is a great way to support the local community while finding something truly unique.
The craftsmanship is incredible. You’ll see Huichol beadwork with patterns that tell ancient stories and rugs woven with colors so bright they practically glow. We love seeing our guests bring these treasures back to their Puerto Vallarta rentals to remind them of their stay long after they've headed home.
Active Afternoons
If you’re the type who can’t sit still, Los Muertos has plenty to keep you busy. You can rent a jet ski right off the shore or go parasailing to see the entire bay from above. The water is usually warm and inviting, perfect for a quick dip to cool off after a long session in the sun.
For those who want to venture further, the Los Muertos pier is your jumping-off point. You can hop on a panga (a small local boat) and head south to hidden coves and beaches that are only accessible by water. It’s the ultimate way to see the rugged coastline of the South Zone.
The Nomad Life: Why Amapas Wins
Many of our guests are remote workers who need a balance of productivity and play. This is why staying in Amapas is such a game-changer. You can spend your morning knocked out of the park in a quiet, high-contrast workspace with an ocean view, and then, in just a 10-15 minute walk, be sitting at a beach bar with a taco in one hand and a drink in the other.
When you’re done with the high energy of the beach, that walk back up to Amapas serves as the perfect "cool down." You leave the music and the crowds behind and return to the serene, jungle-wrapped peace of your condo. It’s the best of both worlds, and it’s why we love this neighborhood so much.
Finishing the Day
As the afternoon winds down, the evening air starts to cool off, and the walk back up the hill feels just as enjoyable. It’s a bit more of a workout, but it also feels like the perfect transition into dinner time.
Staying in a family-run spot means you get the real deal. We’re not just renting you a room; we’re sharing our home and our favorite local secrets with you. Whether you’re here for a week of vacation or a month of remote work, the Amapas-to-Los-Muertos lifestyle is something you have to experience for yourself.
We can't wait to welcome you to the neighborhood! To see more of our daily life and get more local tips, you should definitely follow us on Facebook for all the latest updates!
About the Author
