San Jose del Pacifico Oaxaca: The Best Way to Visit the Mushroom Capital

If you’re thinking of taking a trip into the heart of Mexico’s southern state, you may want to visit San José del Pacífico Oaxaca.

Below are some tips on visiting this tiny town, most famous for Mexico’s magic mushrooms. I’ve also included some tips for preparing to visit because the climate isn’t tropical and this town is a little rustic with limited amenities.

For more informative article on the state of Oaxaca check out my Oaxaca Travel Guide which includes all the info you need to make your trip to Oaxaca a success.

So read on to find out all about Mexico’s stunningly beautiful little magic mushroom town.

Best Things to Do in San Jose Del Pacifico Oaxaca

If you are coming from the bustling city centre of Oaxaca de Juárez or any other coastal towns like Puerto Escondido and Mazunte, you’ll definitely have a sense that everything has slowed down once you reach San Jose Del Pacifico Oaxaca.

Although there aren’t a lot of activities in this town, there are a definitely a few I would recommend:

1. Temazcal Ceremony

There are a number of things you can do in San José del Pacífico that will surely leave a mark on you. One such experience is the temazcal ceremony, which costs approx 150 MXN ($8 US) and lasts about two hours total time on average – although it has been known to take at least 5 or 6 hours!

This type of therapy has been used since ancient times by ancient Mexican cultures.

In San Jose del Pacifico, you can organize your temazcal through your accomodation. However we do recommend Tripadvisor for any tours including a temazcal. However if you would like to book with the local Shaman, the temazcal can be had for around 150 pesos. You can contact Paco through his facebook page.

2. Enjoying the peace and quiet

The quietness of this area will be the only thing you hear for hours on end. The birds may even give way to the sounds of morning roosters, but they’ll still not compare with all that noise found in large cities like Oaxaca or Mexico City!

3. Magic Mushrooms

There is a tradition associated with these magical fungi here and they’re also used for rituals such as temazcalli ceremonies but you can buy them individually although I am not in any way advocating the use of hallucinogens.

However, that being said, many persons do go to this little town to experience this and they aren’t hard to come by. You can just ask any local where the best place would be because prices may vary from person-to-person or shop.

There really isn’t an established market yet since psilocybin mushrooms has only recently gained popularity again. There are studies going on now touting the benefits of these mushrooms for mental and physical illnesses and perhaps they may be common in the future but for now, they can be found in this town.

If you’re looking to indulge in some fungi, make sure you are aware that the season is from July-October. In other words: if it’s rainy season when you go then expect no mushrooms at all!

4. Hiking the San Mateo Rio Route

Hiking is one of the best ways to explore a new area and this hiking route takes you through some woods and into an adjacent town where there’s plenty going on as well!

You won’t see much on the san Mateo River Route hike but you may meet a lot of locals hanging out in their homes by the riverbank. This provides a great opportunity to practise your Spanish if you’re brave enough!

The last part of this route is just walking along the main road. Once you actually arrive at San Mateo Rio Hondo you can get a drink at one of the few local bars and then hike back to your accommodation.

Alternatively you can take a taxi back which takes about 30 minutes.

5. Do a Zipline over the Mountains

This is not the only thing you can find in San José del Pacífico, though. If your taste runs to more hints of nature and camping than shopping or sightseeing then I recommend checking out Ecoresort Benzaa just outside town- it has an incredible swing!

And if swinging isn’t really you’re thing, Airebez Tirolesa is another company that offers zip lining–perfect for those looking something for something different and a unique way to appreciate all the nature in the area.

6. Spend your money with the local businesses

Support the locals by purchasing their products and helping them grow their local economy.

I understand that the small local community does get a lot of its new money from selling mushrooms, but it would definitely be preferable it if they could grow the community by the tourists contributing to the community through the local businesses.

So make sure to eat at the bars and restaurants, buy a hat or souvenir or other locally made items like crafts. In this way the inhabitants will benefit even more!

7. Don’t do anything at all

There are plenty of ways to find inner peace in San Jose del Pacifico, but if you’re coming from a more hectic place and working on a daily basis then I recommend taking some time for yourself.

Read a great book, take a nap or lay in a hammock which you watch the sunset. Enjoying the simple things in life is easy in this little town.

8.Eat at a fantastic Italian (yes, Italian!) restaurant

Have you ever imagined that one of the best Italian restaurants in all of Mexico would be located so far away from anywhere?

Believe it or not, there is an expat who founded the traditional Italian Taberna de los Duendes some time ago and it’s been said that he’s “the real deal.”

There are many different types of pasta dishes with huge portions which will satisfy your hunger for a week!

Where to Stay in San Jose Del Pacifico

The Cabañas Camino al Cielo is a perfect place to stay if you’re traveling through San Jose.

Their staff are friendly and helpful and the facilities are great san jose del pacifico cabanas!

Both types of cabins have everything that you will need during your trip–internet access so no Data plan required; hot water for all your needs (even in winter). It’s also very conveniently located just off Highway 130 which made it easy enough when driving around town or sightseeing.

Cabañas Rancho Viejo is another great option for those who want to stay in San José del Pacífico cabanas. It’s located a bit further from the centre but with more space if you’re coming as part of an entire group.

And if you’re really on a tight budget, I would recommend Cabañas La Cumbre Hostel – they have various types of accommodation so be sure to check before hand what kind suits your needs best.

Just remember that internet access at this hostel can sometimes become scarce and there might not always appear be hot water when you need it. So be prepared for a few possible inconveniences.

Best Restaurants in San Jose Del Pacifico

This is not a large town so the restaurant selections are limited but in my opinion, these are the best restaurants to try.

La Taberna de los Duendes – this is the best Italian food with very hearty portions. Highly recommended but not the cheapest option.

La Casa de La Abuela – in San Mateo Rio Hondo. Great pizza with options for the vegetarian.

TATSU Cocina Asiática – who knew you could find Asian options too? And they say some of the best in the area.

La Morenita – if you’re looking for Mexican food, you can’t go wrong at this restaurant.

Cafe La Canasta – the best coffee shop in town, relaxing and tasty coffee.

Express Cafe – a good place for reliable internet and also to buy tickets to other cities.

How to Get from Oaxaca City to San Jose Del Pacifico?

You can find a variety of options from the lowest priced option of 150 mxn (approx $8 US). The bus ride takes around 3h to get from Oaxaca City and you’ll be in San José del Pacífico in time for dinner!

I understand that sometimes finding your way around this part of Mexico is hard work. That’s why I highly recommend booking any transfers ahead with GuateGo; they’ve got very reliable service to San Jose and their drivers are awesome!

And if you’re continuing your journey to the coast from San José del Pacifico, be sure to also purchase tickets for Pochutla and then another one into Mazunte or Puerto Escondido, depending on where you’re going. The prices range anywhere between 200 MXN (approx $10 US) up until 300MX ($15 US).

How to Get from the Oaxacan coast to San Jose Del Pacifico?

The journey to San José del Pacifico is an exciting one. You can book your transfer in advance or take the fast and comfortable alternative by hailing a cab from Puerto Escondido. Make sure to agree on the price with the driver beforehand, however.

If you’re driving all the way, I definitely recommend grabbing some “motion sickness” pills beforehand so that you can stay well through all the twists and turns. The last 45 minutes of driving or so can be especially twisty and you don’t want to spend the time pulling over to the side of the road because you’re nauseous.

Planning your visit to San Jose Del Pacifico

The area around San José del Pacifico is a great spot for exploring, but it’s best not to come without cash. There are no ATM’s in the town, this is mostly just cash only!

There are some businesses that will accept card payments because of their more modern amenities–but read carefully before entering any establishment. Some places charge extra regardless of what type of customer you are. Higher rates do seem a bit more common.

Remember: this isn’t Oaxaca city where every corner has been tourismized- this is still a pretty authentic Mexican village.

And finally, make sure you bring warm clothes. Remember you’re up in the mountains, at night the temperature can get pretty chilly and you’ll be happy to have a warmer jacket or pants with you.

Remember too, this is not a place with great internet so come prepared to disconnect a bit from the techno world and enjoy all that Mexican nature has to offer in this quaint little town!

So what do you think? Do you want to go to San Jose or have you ever been there? Let me know in the comments below.

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