Playa Amapas

Scenic and cozy Playa Amapas is a small sandy beach considered one of the most charming corners of Puerto Vallarta. Located at the southern tip of the famous Romantic Zone, it offers tourists a more peaceful and secluded atmosphere compared to the neighboring crowded coasts in Mexico.

The main visual feature of this place is the impressive rocky outcrop called El Púlpito. This natural "pulpit" effectively separates the cove from the popular Los Muertos beach, creating a sense of security and privacy. Golden sand and clear turquoise water make this spot ideal for those seeking aesthetic pleasure and relaxation in nature.

Despite its modest size, Playa Amapas consistently receives high marks from visitors for its cleanliness and biodiversity. This spot is popular among nature lovers who appreciate the chance to see marine life in close proximity to the shore. Thanks to its closeness to residential areas and hotels, the beach remains easily accessible while retaining the charm of a wild coastline.

To plan your visit to Playa Amapas, you can use the following contact information. Since this is a public natural area, the main contact is through the tourism services of the city of Puerto Vallarta.

The main reason to visit Playa Amapas is for the excellent snorkeling. The clear water and rocky sections create ideal conditions for observing a variety of marine life. Even close to the shore, you can see schools of bright tropical fish, making a swim here an exciting adventure.

For those who prefer more relaxed leisure, the beach offers wonderful opportunities for sunbathing and quiet reading to the sound of the waves. The romantic atmosphere of the cove is perfect for walks along the water's edge, while the El Púlpito rock serves as a magnificent backdrop for memorable photos, especially at sunset when the sky turns shades of soft pink and gold.

Active travelers can take a short trek along the trails leading to neighboring beaches or deeper into the Conchas Chinas neighborhood. After relaxing on the sand, it’s pleasant to walk to the nearby Romantic Zone, home to many authentic cafes and shops, to end the day with a delicious Mexican dinner.

Getting to Playa Amapas is quite simple, especially if you are already in the southern part of the city. The most popular and pleasant way is a walk from the Romantic Zone (Zona Romántica). The journey takes only about 10 minutes: you need to pass through the neighboring Los Muertos beach and go around the El Púlpito rocky outcrop along a specially maintained path.

If you are coming from the city center, the distance is about 6.4 km. You can use a taxi or local buses heading towards the Conchas Chinas area via the Carretera Barra de Navidad highway. A car ride will take no more than 15 minutes, but keep in mind that parking in this area is very limited, making a taxi or public transport a more convenient choice.

For tourists arriving in Mexico on international flights, the nearest transport hub is Puerto Vallarta Airport (Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz). It is located approximately 11 km from the beach, and a taxi ride from the terminal to the coast will take between 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic.

The history of this location is inextricably linked to the development of Puerto Vallarta itself. In the mid-19th century, when the settlement was founded in 1851, the shoreline was used exclusively by fishermen. For a long time, Playa Amapas remained a hidden gem away from mass tourism, frequented only by local residents.

The rapid transformation of the quiet fishing village into a popular international resort began in the second half of the 20th century. Despite the rapid infrastructure growth across Mexico, this small beach has remarkably preserved its natural authenticity. Its landscape, featuring characteristic rock formations, has remained virtually unchanged for decades.

Interestingly, the name of the neighboring rock, El Púlpito, translates as "The Pulpit." This natural formation serves as a physical boundary and a historical landmark, separating the bustling city beaches from quieter, more secluded relaxation areas like Amapas.

To fully enjoy the atmosphere of Playa Amapas, most travelers find 1 to 3 hours sufficient. This time is enough to stroll along the shore, take beautiful photos of the El Púlpito rock, and do some snorkeling.

If your goal is a full day of beach relaxation, you can easily spend half a day here. It is most convenient to combine a visit here with a walk through the Romantic Zone or a visit to neighboring beaches, transitioning smoothly from active sightseeing to quiet contemplation of the ocean surf.

You can visit Playa Amapas at any time convenient for you, as access to the beach is open 24/7. The beach is open to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week, allowing you to enjoy both early sunrises and night walks under the stars.

Nevertheless, for swimming and snorkeling, it is better to choose daylight hours to fully appreciate the beauty of the underwater world. Since the natural beach has no official management, visitors are advised to independently monitor tide times and weather conditions in Puerto Vallarta.

The beach's location makes it easy to combine seaside relaxation with visits to other interesting spots. Exploring the surroundings of Playa Amapas will significantly enrich your experience, offering both active entertainment and nature parks.