Amapas & Conchas Chinas Vacation Rentals

Staying in Conchas Chinas and Amapas

Amapas and Conchas Chinas are the hillside neighborhoods just south of the Romantic Zone, where the hills run down to the sea. Conchas Chinas is a residential colonia directly south of Puerto Vallarta, and Amapas sits between it and the Romantic Zone. Homes and condo buildings step down the hill toward the bay, and the streets are quieter.

People choose Conchas Chinas and Amapas over the Romantic Zone for exactly that: the quiet and the view. You wake up to the water and head down the hill when you want dinner and a crowd.

Conchas Chinas Beach and the coves

Conchas Chinas Beach is three small beaches in a secluded spot surrounded by hills, with turquoise water and soft white sand. Rock formations along the shore create natural tide pools full of marine life, which makes this one of the best snorkeling spots near town, and the water is calm. There are other small coves along this stretch of coast.

Bring a mask, water and shade. Our guide to the snorkeling spots around the bay covers the tide pools here, and our guide to the Puerto Vallarta beaches puts Conchas Chinas alongside the rest.

Getting around

The restaurants and nightlife of the Romantic Zone are a short walk or a quick ride away. On foot, expect hills and stairs, especially on the way back up. Taxis and rideshares are easy to find.

The coast road heads south from here toward Mismaloya, Las Gemelas, Boca de Tomatlán (where the water taxis and the coastal hiking trail start) and the Vallarta Botanical Garden. That makes Conchas Chinas and Amapas the closest base we offer for the south shore beaches and the jungle.

Whales and views

Most of our homes in Amapas and Conchas Chinas have bay views, and from early December to late March that view includes humpback whales. Guests can see them from the terrace when they are in the bay, without booking a boat.

A tour is still the way to see them up close; our guide to whale watching in Puerto Vallarta covers when to go and how to choose one.

Who it suits

• Couples and families who want quiet and a view more than nightlife at the door.
• Longer stays, where a terrace over the bay and a kitchen matter more than being on Restaurant Row.
• Snorkelers, with the Conchas Chinas tide pools below the neighborhood.
• Travelers exploring the south shore down the coast road.
• You might prefer the Romantic Zone if you want flat streets and dinner and nightlife on foot, or the Hotel Zone if you want a long beach outside the door.

For a comparison of all our areas, see our guide on where to stay in Puerto Vallarta.

Our homes in Amapas and Conchas Chinas

Indah, often called Indah by Sayan, is at Amapas 121. We manage 2 large condos here: a three-bedroom that sleeps 8 and welcomes children, and a four-bedroom that sleeps 10 for adults. The building has two oceanfront infinity pools with jacuzzis, a rooftop restaurant and bar, room service, a spa, a 24-hour ocean-view gym, a concierge, beach access and a parking space for each condo. The building is cashless, so bring a card.

We manage about 12 condos across Amapas and Conchas Chinas in total, including condos in buildings such as Las Verandas, Paramount Bay and Delfines.

Conchas Chinas FAQ

Where is Conchas Chinas in Puerto Vallarta?

Conchas Chinas, Puerto Vallarta's southern hillside colonia, sits directly south of the Romantic Zone, with Amapas between the two. The coast road south toward Mismaloya runs through it, and Conchas Chinas Beach sits at the bottom of the hill.

Can you walk from Conchas Chinas to the Romantic Zone?

Yes, it is a short walk, but a hilly one with stairs, so the walk back up is the hard part. An easy approach is to walk down for dinner and take a taxi or rideshare back up.

Is Conchas Chinas Beach good for swimming and snorkeling?

Yes. The water is calm and clear, and the rock formations create tide pools full of marine life, which makes it one of the best snorkeling spots near town.

What is the difference between Amapas and Conchas Chinas?

They are neighbors on the same hillside south of the Romantic Zone. Amapas is the stretch closest to the Romantic Zone, and Conchas Chinas continues south from it along the coast, with Conchas Chinas Beach below.