If you're looking for that perfect mix of "we're the only people in the world" and "where’s the nearest taco stand?", Amapas is your spot. Perched just above the southern end of the Zona Romántica, this hillside neighborhood offers couples the ultimate home base. You get the peace of the hills and the energy of the ocean without ever needing a car.
Living like a local here means swapping sterile hotel lobbies for colorful streets and hidden paths. Whether you're here for a romantic escape or you're a digital nomad looking for a scenic change of scenery, starting your day in Amapas and heading down to Los Muertos Beach is the best way to soak up the vibe of our town.
The 10-15 Minute Commute You’ll Actually Love
The best part about staying in Amapas? The walk. Forget traffic or crowded buses. From almost anywhere in the neighborhood, the walk from Amapas to Los Muertos Beach takes 10–15 minutes. It’s a literal breeze. You’ll wind down cobblestone paths, pass by blooming tropical greenery, and eventually hit the sand.
As you head down toward the water, you’ll likely cross over El Púlpito, the iconic rock formation that marks the end of the main beach. It’s a great spot to pause and just look at the ocean. For those of us who call this place home, that first glimpse of the blue water never gets old. If you're staying in puerto vallarta rental condos that overlook the bay, you’ve already seen the view, but feeling the salt air is something else entirely.
Morning Rituals: Coffee and Coastal Vibes
Before you hit the heavy sand of Los Muertos, stop for a café de olla at a local spot. There’s something about the way the cinnamon and piloncillo hit your tongue in the warm morning air that just feels right. It’s the fuel you need for a day of exploring.
Once you reach Los Muertos Beach, you’ll find it’s the heartbeat of the neighborhood. While it’s the most famous beach in town, it still feels intimate if you know where to go. Grab two chairs under a bright umbrella and watch the world go by. You’ll see local vendors selling silver jewelry, musicians tuning their guitars, and the occasional fisherman bringing in the catch of the day.
Shared Adventures for Two
If you’re the type of couple that can’t sit still for more than twenty minutes, Los Muertos has plenty to keep you busy.
- Ocean Exploration: Rent a couple of kayaks or stand-up paddleboards. The water here is usually calm enough for a leisurely paddle along the coast toward the south. You can explore the rocky coves near Conchas Chinas that are much harder to reach by land.
- The Pier Stroll: You can’t visit Los Muertos without walking to the end of the iconic pier. It’s the perfect spot for a quick photo: just make sure to catch that blue hour light when the city starts to glow.
- Local Life: Walk just one block inland from the beach to find the artisans. Watching a local creator work on intricate beadwork or traditional pottery is a masterclass in patience and skill.
Staying in rental condos in puerto vallarta gives you the freedom to come and go as you please. You aren't tied to a resort's schedule, which means if you decide to spend four hours watching a local band play on the sand, you can.
The Food Scene: Tacos and Beyond
When hunger strikes, you’re in the right place. The area surrounding Los Muertos Beach is packed with some of the best eats in town. Skip the spots with the biggest signs and look for where the locals are hovering.
A "taco crawl" is a legitimate date night activity here. Start with some fresh fish tacos right on the sand, then move a couple of blocks into the Zona Romántica for al pastor. The sound of the knife hitting the trompo is basically the dinner bell for the neighborhood. If you’re looking for apartments for rent in puerto vallarta that have a full kitchen, you can even pick up some fresh mariscos to cook back at your place for a private dinner with a view.
Transitioning to Blue Hour
As the afternoon fades, the vibe changes. The bright energy of the beach softens into something more romantic. This is when Amapas really shines. Walking back up the hill (it’s a bit of a workout, but that just means you can have an extra churro later) rewards you with a perspective of the city you can’t get anywhere else.
The lights of the Los Muertos Pier start to twinkle, and the string lights of the nearby restaurants flicker on. It’s the perfect time to grab a drink and just sit. No distractions, no rush. Just the sound of the waves and the distant hum of the city.
Why Amapas is the Choice for Authenticity
We’ve lived here our whole lives, and we’ve seen the way the town has changed. Choosing to stay in a family-run spot in Amapas isn’t just about a great view: though we definitely have those. It’s about supporting the local community. When you stay with The PVGirl, you’re getting more than a set of keys; you’re getting our favorite "off-the-beaten-path" secrets.
We want you to see the side of Puerto Vallarta that we love. The side where the neighbors know each other’s names and the best meal you’ll have all week comes from a cart on the corner.
Whether you’re spending your days working remotely with the ocean as your background or you’re here to completely unplug, Amapas and Los Muertos Beach offer a rhythm of life that’s hard to beat. It’s casual, it’s playful, and it’s authentically local.
Ready to plan your escape? We’d love to help you find your perfect spot in the hills. Follow us on Facebook to see more of what life is like in our corner of the world.
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