https://www.zoegoesplaces.com/san-jose-del-pacifico-oaxaca/#getting-there
SAN JOSÉ DEL PACIFICO, OAXACA (COMPLETE TRAVEL GUIDE)
San José del Pacifico: a small, unassuming town high in the Oaxacan mountains. An unlikely candidate, but nevertheless the town is the magic mushroom capital of Mexico.
The tourism that psychedelic mushrooms bring is a lifeline to the town, which otherwise would see hardly anyone visit. However, taking magic mushrooms isn’t the only thing to do in this unique town. Nature lovers will also enjoy the stunning scenery.
But, whatever your reason for visiting, this complete travel guide will help you get to San José Oaxaca Mexico, plan some activities, choose the right accommodation and much more.
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| Things to Do How to Get to San José Where to Stay Where to Eat Altitude in San José, Oaxaca ATMs | WiFi Why It’s Famous The Best Time to Visit Is it Worth it? |
THINGS TO DO IN SAN JOSÉ DEL PACIFICO, MEXICO
MAGIC MUSHROOMS
Ok, I’m putting this first because let’s be honest, most people come to San José del Pacifico Oaxaca just to take magic mushrooms. Probably about 90% of people. If you’re in the 10%, skip to the next activity!
This isn’t a shady secret of the town. You’ll find signs directing you to magic mushrooms, in addition to a large amount of psychedelic street art.
And, almost everyone will be able to point you in the direction of someone selling mushrooms.
The safest option when buying magic mushrooms is to visit a Shaman who has picked the mushrooms themselves (they grow freely in the wild around the town). The Shamans will be able to hand-pick you a dose that suits your size and what you want to experience.
There’s some debate about whether you should wash the mushrooms. A quick rinse with water will remove the literal shit that they grow in and won’t affect the psychedelic properties.
No one wants to be tripping and getting ill, wash your mushrooms and enjoy them raw.
As ever, do make sure you’ve researched what to expect beforehand. And ideally, be with someone you trust.
From July to October is when there’s the greatest supply of magic mushrooms. This is the same time as Mexico’s rainy season, which brings the perfect conditions for them to grow.
During the mushroom season (July to October), fresh mushrooms are available to buy almost everywhere in this Mexico mushroom town. But Rubi’s is perhaps the most recommended by travellers.
Outside of mushroom season (November to June), fresh mushrooms are more difficult but not impossible to come by. The ones on sale may have been preserved or may just be ordinary mushrooms.
You should be much more cautious during this off-season time. It’s probably best to ask for recommendations from other people in the town at the time if you do want to buy any.
Expect to pay around 300 to 400 pesos per dose in the mushroom capital of Mexico.
TOP TIP: Very few people speak English in San José, which means you’ll need to practise your Spanish skills. The Mexican Spanish for magic mushrooms is hongos – while ordinary mushrooms are champiñones.
Another useful phrase will be cuánto cuestan – meaning how much do they cost. Make sure you’ve practised your numbers before heading out to Mexico’s Mushroom Mountain Town.
THE LEGALITY OF MAGIC MUSHROOMS IN SAN JOSÉ
The decriminalisation of psilocybin mushrooms is increasing across North America. Whilst in some parts of South America such as Peru and Brazil, they’re completely legal.
In Mexico, the use of magic mushrooms by indigenous users is decriminalised (though not officially) in native culture. Additionally, it is legal to pick wild psychedelic mushrooms.
Technically the use of magic mushrooms by tourists in San José is illegal.
But the town is an independent area where locals make their own rules. Which, unsurprisingly includes allowing the selling and consumption of magic mushrooms.
There’s no permanent police presence in this Oaxaca mushroom town. And many people report that they’re not allowed in the town.
However, on my last day in the town, I saw both the National Guard (guns blazing) and Municipal Police drive through on the main road.
In summary, taking magic mushrooms in San José is a normal activity and one that won’t see you get in any trouble. However, travelling with magic mushrooms beyond the town is a big no-no and you won’t have any protection from local laws.
RELAX AND WATCH THE CLOUDS
This is definitely a rainy season activity, but San José is known for being a town above the clouds. Although, that is more often a town inside the clouds.
Grab a beer, a book, headphones or the like and just sit and watch the world go by.
As someone who gets bored very easily, this is not an activity I could participate in for more than 5 normally. But, the landscape changes so quickly here.
Clouds roll in from higher land, filling the valleys before dissipating just a few minutes later. Plus, at times you can actually see the clouds forming from the vast surrounding forest.
And, once there’s a break in the clouds, you can see for miles and miles! A truly unique place.
CLIMB UP TO THE SAN JOSÉ DEL PACIFICO MIRADOR
The altitude will make the climb to the viewpoint hard, but the views from the top will make any pain disappear instantly!
For just a small entry fee (and a sweaty walk to the top), the views from the Mirador are incredible. I could have spent hours watching the clouds, enjoying the view and taking photos.
There are actually several viewing platforms at the Mirador.
The first is just below the Mirador sign. But, if you continue climbing up the steps carved out of the mountainside, there are another two wooden platforms above with even more spectacular views.
This is an absolute must-do experience when in San José. Even on a cloudy day, the way the clouds formed and then disappeared was really magical.
One minute you’d have no visibility. Then you’d blink and see mountain after mountain for miles around.
You can find it on Google Maps by searching for Los Altos del Golan.
MIRADOR IN THE TREES
To the west of the town is the Mirador in the trees (Mirador Los Pinos). For just a few pesos, you get to climb to various viewing platforms and lookouts in the trees (safely strapped in with a harness).
The perfect activity if you’re looking for an adrenaline rush. While the landscape will be best enjoyed outside of the rainy season, a break in the clouds at any time of year will leave you with jaw-dropping views.
TEMAZCAL
Temazcal ceremonies aren’t exclusive to San José, you can find them across the southern states of Mexico. Temazcal – a low-heat sweat lodge, like a sauna – is an indigenous ceremony meant to purify the body, heal the spirit and enrich your health.
Temazcal Los 4 Elementos (with Shaman Navarro) is located along the main road in this Oaxaca mushroom town. It’s a short walk from the town or you can take a tuk-tuk for just a few pesos.
HIKING
With miles and miles of mountains and forests, this town is a hiker’s dream.
Popular San José del Pacifico hiking routes include continuing uphill behind La Cumbre hostel or to one of the even smaller towns around. Another option is to just walk through the magnificent and never-ending forest – like this 3.5-mile route.
WHERE CAN I WATCH THE SUNSET IN SAN JOSÉ DEL PACIFICO?
You’ll want to get to one of the highest spots in the town for the best view. La Cumbre hostel (you can visit the restaurant and outdoor seating area even if you aren’t staying), the mirador sign and the mirador in the trees are all good spots.
HOW TO GET TO SAN JOSÉ DEL PACIFICO OAXACA
HOW TO GET FROM OAXACA TO SAN JOSÉ DEL PACIFICO
Buses operate all day from Oaxaca City to San José del Pacifico Mexico, taking approximately 3 hours with a short stop in Miahuatlán. The two companies operating buses in Oaxaca City are just a block or so apart: Lineas Unidas & Eclipse 70.
Lineas Unidas charge 140 pesos for a one-way ticket. While Eclipse 70 charge 150 pesos (there’s no saving for a return ticket).
Both companies have buses leaving every 30 to 45 minutes for most of the day. Additionally, both companies operate well into the night but with less regular schedules.
Tickets can be bought at the offices of both companies, just ask for San José del Pacifico.
However, the easiest way is to book tickets online to San José from Oaxaca City for the date and time you want. Then all you have to do is show up at the right time and get onboard.
Booking tickets online has only become possible in the last year or so. And this is going to make a huge difference to those who like to book their transport in advance and guarantee themselves a seat.
HOW TO GET FROM PUERTO ESCONDIDO TO SAN JOSÉ DEL PACIFICO
To travel from Puerto Escondido to San José del Pacifico Oaxaca, you’ll need to first get yourself to San Pedro Pochutla.
ADO and OCC buses run this route regularly. And tickets can be booked online or hop on a local bus from in front of the Chedraui supermarket.
From the bus station in Pochutla, walk across the road to Terminal Lineas Unidas or a few metres along the road to the Eclipse 70 terminal.
Buses for both companies run every 30 to 45 minutes and you can buy your ticket to the Mushroom Mountain of Mexico at the ticket office of each company (about 200 pesos).
Combined tickets for the ADO/OCC bus and the minivan to San José can be booked online for a stress-free experience.
FROM HUATULCO TO SAN JOSÉ DEL PACIFICO
Similarly, from Huatulco (La Crucecita), you have to first get to Pochutla. ADO and OCC buses operate between these two places, taking around 1 hour.
Then walk over to the Lineas Unidas or Eclipse 70 bus terminals and hop on a bus into the mountains.
FROM ZIPOLITE, PUERTO ANGEL AND MAZUNTE TO SAN JOSÉ DEL PACIFICO
Additionally, Lineas Unidas also operate buses directly from the beach towns of Puerto Angel and Zipolite to San José del Pacifico Mexico.
So, if you’re in Mazunte, get yourself along the coast to either of these. I’m not sure of the exact ticket cost, but this is likely to be around 200 pesos.
However, buses from Puerto Angel and Zipolite to San José only run about 5 to 6 times a day, so I’d recommend checking the schedule at the ticket office before you want to travel.
Luckily, you can now book tickets online for the journey from Zipolite to San Jose. And, this comes with the added benefit of getting to see what time the bus departs without having to find the ticket office beforehand.
Travel time to the mushroom capital of Mexico is around 3 to 4 hours from Pochutla and the coast.
Alternatively, take local transportation to Pochutla before getting a ticket for the minibuses to San José as described above.
There are small moto-taxis (like tuk tuks) to shuttle you around the town for fixed prices. Expect them to fit two people or one person and luggage.
TOP TIP: If you are going to San José and coming back to the same place as you were before (i.e. Oaxaca to San José del Pacifico and back to Oaxaca), ask to leave your big bags in your accommodation.
I travelled with just my day pack of valuables and a fold-up 20-litre rucksack with enough (warm) clothes for my 3-night stay. Walking uphill to the hostel is tough with the altitude. Don’t make it harder by carrying 15 to 20 kilos of luggage!
Find the best prices and the best dates with flight comparison sites like Skyscanner!
Make sure you use tools such as ‘Add nearby airports’ and set your departure airport as wide as possible (you can just put the United States or Mexico) to see the cheapest places to fly from! Check prices for your trip here…
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