Puerto Vallarta Playa Amapas and Conchas Chinas Trail. Exploring Puerto Vallarta’s Hidden Coast: The Scenic Trail to Playa Amapas and Conchas Chinas.
If you want to escape the energetic crowds of Playa de Los Muertos in Puerto Vallarta’s Romantic Zone but still crave the warm emerald-green waters of Banderas Bay, there is a secret path that leads to paradise.
Just past the southern edge of Old Town lies a scenic walking trail that connects a sequence of stunning, secluded beaches. By following a rocky, historic coastal path, you will uncover Playa Amapas (Amapas Beach) and the spectacular tide pools of Playa Conchas Chinas.
Whether you are looking for a romantic picnic spot under the shade of massive Amapa trees, or want to spend a quiet afternoon snorkeling in crystal-clear natural pools, this is the ultimate Puerto Vallarta coastal day-trip.
The Journey: Trail from Los Muertos to Conchas Chinas
Most visitors stay on the main sands of Los Muertos, completely unaware that a breathtaking coastal trail lies just beyond the iconic El Niño sobre el Caballo (The Boy on the Seahorse) sculpture at Las Pilitas.
To help you visualize this incredible walking route, the local travel experts at PromoVisionPV have captured the entire journey on video. You can preview the pathway, step-by-step, in this PromoVision YouTube Trail Walkthrough.
How to Navigate the Trail
1- The Starting Point: Walk to the absolute southern end of Los Muertos Beach. Here, you will encounter the massive, legendary rock formation known to locals as El Púlpito (The Pulpit).
2- Conquering El Púlpito: Nestled against the rock is a set of stone steps. Climb carefully up and over this ridge. The slope is slightly uneven and rocky, so take your time and wear sturdy footwear.
3- Arriving at Playa Amapas: Once over the ridge, you will descend directly onto the thick amber sands of Playa Amapas.
4- The Coastal Pathway to Conchas Chinas: If you continue to the southern end of Amapas Beach, you will find a beautifully paved, concrete seaside path hugging the rocky shoreline. Follow this path along the luxury villas and condos to emerge directly onto the pristine sands of Conchas Chinas.
Playa Amapas: A Shaded Romantic Hideaway
Playa Amapas is a small, quiet cove spanning roughly 350 feet (110 meters). Protected by rocky outcroppings on both sides, this beach offers a level of intimacy and peaceful isolation that is hard to find near the center of the city.
The beach gets its name from the majestic Amapa trees (Tabebuia rosea) that border the sand. These native trees can grow up to 50 feet tall, producing stunning pink blossoms in the spring and offering thick, refreshing canopies of shade during the heat of the afternoon.
Traveler Tip: Playa Amapas has no public restrooms, restaurants, or active lifeguards. It is highly recommended to pack your own drinks, snacks, and a blanket. It’s the ultimate spot in Puerto Vallarta for a quiet beach read or a romantic sunset picnic!
Playa Conchas Chinas Beach
Just a short walk further south along the concrete path lies Playa Conchas Chinas, widely considered one of the most beautiful and elite beach areas in Puerto Vallarta.
The name Conchas Chinas refers to the unique, curly, conical shells naturally washed ashore here that resemble traditional coolie hats. The sand here is coarser, beautifully mixed with millions of these tiny, shimmering shell fragments.
What truly sets Conchas Chinas apart is its geology. The beach is a series of small, sandy coves divided by dramatic, dark rock formations. At low tide, these rocks form natural saltwater pools (tide pools) that trap warm ocean water.
These calm pools serve as natural aquariums. If you bring a snorkel mask, you can swim safely alongside:
Multi-colored tropical fish
Tiny clinging mollusks and scurrying crabs
Hidden sea anemones
Plan Your Puerto Vallarta Adventure
For more local secrets, travel guides, and stunning video tours of Jalisco’s best-kept destinations, explore the extensive media library at PromoVisionPV and subscribe to the official PromoVision YouTube Channel to start mapping out your dream Mexican getaway today!
Conchas Chinas Beach
Pros: Beautiful and more picturesque and tranquil setting just south of Los Muertos.
Clearer water, natural rock formations, and tide pools make it good for snorkeling and swimming.
Less crowded than main city beaches.
Cons: Rocky entry and uneven sand in places water shoes recommended.
Limited services (few amenities directly on the beach).
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