Amapas is the neighborhood that climbs. It begins where the Zona Romántica ends — at the top of the last cobblestone street — and rises, in cream-and-terracotta houses, up the green hillside that shelters Puerto Vallarta from the trade winds. If the Romantic Zone is the city's living room, Amapas is its terrace.
Getting there, staying there
The main road in and out is Calle Hortensias. It is a steep road; every local walks it, every visitor gets used to it by day two (Uber is easily available for a cost of 4 USD from anywhere in the Romantic Zone). The reward is the view: every home in Amapas is above the bay, and every morning begins with light coming across the water. There is a shortcut from Calle Hortensias that will be explained to you on check-in — though it's for those with no mobility issues.
Where to eat
La Palapa
Tropical elegance on the sand. Just head down the hill to Los Muertos Beach. The ultimate spot for a sunset dinner with your toes in the sand.
Walk
~8 min
0.7 km
Tintoque
Sophisticated and chef-driven. Where the Romantic Zone meets the river — a refined, modern Mexican tasting menu.
Walk
~12 min
1.4 km
The Iguana Restaurant
Old Hollywood glamour at Casa Kimberly, in the hills of Gringo Gulch. The bridge-crossing walk is incredibly romantic.
Walk
~18 min
1.6 km
Local Legends · casual & must-try
Pancho's Takos
The most famous al pastor in town. Head down to Olas Altas — the line will guide you the rest of the way.
Walk
~10 min
0.9 km
Café de Olla
Bustling and traditional. Mexican comfort food and grilled meats; a straight shot toward the beach.
Walk
~11 min
1.1 km
Sonorita Olas Altas
Wood-fired tacos and 'volcanes.' On the main strip of Olas Altas, one of the closest high-quality casual spots.
Walk
~11 min
0.8 km
Hidden gems & unique finds
Archie's Wok
A serene Asian-fusion garden, tucked away just off the beach near the pier. Quiet and flavorful.
Walk
~8 min
0.7 km
Mar y Vino
The 'feet in the water' rooftop, right on the beach front — one of the most Instagrammable spots nearby.
Walk
~10 min
0.8 km
Le Bistro
Riverside jazz on Isla Cuale; a lush walk through the island park to a peaceful sanctuary.
Walk
~15 min
1.5 km
Mariscos Cisneros
Authentic seafood, deeper into the neighborhood — a glimpse of the local side of the Romantic Zone.
Walk
~17 min
1.3 km
What to feel
Amapas is quieter than the Zona Romántica below it, and warmer than Conchas Chinas above it. The locals are a mix of Mexican families who have been here forty years, Canadian snowbirds who have been here fifteen, and artists who arrived in the last five. It is the neighborhood where expats move to after they have figured Puerto Vallarta out.
Amapas is the neighborhood where expats move to after they have figured Puerto Vallarta out.