San José del Pacifico, Oaxaca – A Local Guide
When the heat of the Oaxacan coast gets too much, I like to escape up the mountains to my favourite small town in Oaxaca.
San José del Pacífico is a small town in the Sierra Sur mountains of Oaxaca, Mexico, known for its great food, mountain views, and the psychedelic mushrooms that grow in the region.
But for me, I come back for the cool mountain air, forest views, and the chance to experience a different side of Oaxaca. You definitely don’t need to come here for mushrooms. I’ve never done them, and there is still plenty that makes this little town worth the trip.
When I lived in Huatulco, San José was one of my favourite places to escape the coastal heat for a day or two. You can stay in a mountain cabin, hike through the forest, eat home cooked food, warm up by a fireplace, or simply enjoy the views and much cooler temperatures.
I’ve now visited San José del Pacífico more than five times, including a couple of overnight stays. Whether you’re stopping on your way between Oaxaca City and the coast, or planning a mountain getaway of its own, this guide covers what I’ve learned from my visits, including what to do, where to stay, how to get there, and what to know before you go.
Photo: Shev
What is San José del Pacifico Famous for?
It’s no secret that San José del Pacifico is famous for its magic mushrooms. The damp, cool climate of the mountains offers perfect growing conditions for dozens of edible mushrooms, but the psychedelic ones are what the town is most known for.
Tip from a Local: Like English, there are several words for mushrooms in Spanish, here are some helpful ones to know!
Champioñes: button mushrooms, the kind that are in food usually. This is what you’ll see on menus.
Hongos: a broader term for mushrooms. Magic mushrooms are referred to as hongos, as well as the wild mushrooms that grow in the region.
But there is so much more to the town than the mushrooms! The climate of the Sierra Madre Sur Mountains offer visitors beautiful hikes, magical forest adventures, and cozy home cooked meals at the many restaurants.
👉 Jump to Things to Do in San Jose del Pacifico
Where is San José del Pacifico?
San José del Pacifico is a small mountain community on the edge of the Sierra Madre Sur mountains in Oaxaca, Mexico.
It was first put on the map as a magic mushroom haven by a journalist from the US that took part in a sacred mushroom ceremony. It has since become a popular destination for travellers looking to partake in the traditional ceremonies around the town.
San José del Pacifico, or SanJo (pronounced san-ho) as locals refer to it, sits just over 2,500m (8,200ft) elevation – that’s high! Especially if you are travelling from one of Oaxaca’s beach towns on the coast.
When I lived in Huatulco, you had to go through SanJo to get to Oaxaca City. But now that the new highway is open, you can get from the city to the coast in just a couple hours by by-passing the mountain towns.
Some people start to experience elevation sickness at 1,500m, so be sure to stay hydrated and keep an eye out for symptoms of altitude sickness.
Photo: Shev
How to get to San José del Pacifico
Getting to San José del Pacifico is simple, but the travel conditions can be difficult. It sits along Federal Highway 175, the old mountain road connecting Oaxaca City with the Oaxacan coast.
“Highway” 175 that goes through Sanjo can only be accessed by car or van. The road is too small and narrow for busses. Prepare yourself for a very winding drive! Highway 175 twists through the mountains, and fog, rain and low visibility are common around San José.
If you’re prone to motion sickness, I highly recommend taking medication before you leave.
The new toll-road highway is called 175D. It cuts more directly through the mountains and cuts the travel time from the coast to the city by about 3 hours. But it does not go through San Jose del Pacifico.
Oaxaca City to San José del Pacifico
The easiest options from Oaxaca City are a passenger van, rental car, private driver or organized tour.
Take a Passenger Van
For most travellers, this is the option I recommend. I’ve taken the vans between Oaxaca City, San José and Huatulco several times, and they’re inexpensive, safe, and much easier than driving the mountain roads yourself.
Líneas Unidas runs Sprinter vans directly from Oaxaca City to San José del Pacífico. They also have a ticket office in San José, which makes organizing your onward journey easy.
I usually travelled with Expressos Colombo Huatulco, which operates between Oaxaca City and Huatulco via the mountain route. These are normally my preference because I find their larger Mercedes vans more comfortable for the winding drive. You’ll find many van services connecting the beach towns along the Oaxacan coast to the city.
Schedules and routes can change, so I recommend confirming your departure directly with the company before travelling. I usually book my tickets in person, a day or so in advance.
Photo: Shev
Rent a Car
If you’re comfortable driving narrow, winding mountain roads, renting a car gives you much more flexibility.
The drive is beautiful, but Highway 175 has seemingly endless curves and can become foggy and rainy in the mountains. I would plan to drive during daylight whenever possible.
I book through Discover Cars to compare local and international rental companies in Oaxaca.
Hire a Driver or Take a Tour
A private driver is the most flexible option, particularly if you’re prone to motion sickness and want the ability to stop along the way.
You can arrange a private transfer in Oaxaca City or ask your accommodation to help organize one. If you’re only booking transportation one way, I’d also arrange your return or onward journey in advance.
Take a Tour
A guided tour takes care of the mountain drive and gives you a chance to learn more about the area while visiting some of San José’s highlights.
On this day trip from Oaxaca City, you will learn a lot about the area from your guide, and see the best parts of San José del Pacifico in just one day.
Huatulco to San Jose del Pacifico
San José del Pacífico is also an easy mountain escape from Huatulco, and this is the route I’ve travelled most often.
Expressos Colombo Huatulco operates passenger vans from La Crucecita toward Oaxaca City via Highway 175, stopping in San José del Pacífico. This is normally my preferred option because I find their vans more comfortable for the winding mountain journey.
Líneas Unidas is another option from the coast, with connections through Pochutla.
Puerto Escondido to San José del Pacifico
Getting from Oaxaca’s surf town of Puerto Escondido to San José is a little less straightforward because the newer highway between Puerto Escondido and Oaxaca City does not pass through San José del Pacífico.
Instead, you’ll need to travel along the coast toward Pochutla and connect with transportation heading north on Highway 175 toward San José.
From Puerto Escondido, you can take a Transportes Delfines van to San Pedro Pochutla. From there, you can catch the Lineas Unidas van to San José del Pacifico.
Zipolite, Mazunte, & San Augustinillo to San José del Pacifico
From Zipolite, Mazunte or San Agustinillo, you’ll need to connect with transportation heading north on Highway 175. Líneas Unidas has a depot in Zipolite, making it one of the easiest jumping-off points for San José del Pacífico from this part of the coast.
If you’re staying in Mazunte or San Agustinillo, you can first make your way to Zipolite or Pochutla to connect with an onward van.
Photo: Shev
Tips for Getting to San José del Pacifico
I have made the trip to San José del Pacifico many times, here are my top tips for the journey!
Take your Motion-sickness medications
If you don’t have any with you, you can easily pick up some anti-nausea medication at any pharmacy in Oaxaca. If you are prone to car sickness at all, I highly recommend taking one before you leave.
Expert Tip: a trick we use in Scuba diving is to take the anti-nausea medication well before your trip! Take one dose the night before you leave, and another about 30 minutes before you get in the vehicle.
This helps get the medication in your system. If you take it after you are already in the car it will not have any effect.
Hydrate
There is an art here between drinking enough liquids to prevent altitude sickness, but not too much that you have to use the bathroom!
Sipping water slowly over the course of the trip will help your body hydrate, without flushing right through you.
Take it Easy
Don’t do too much when you first arrive in Sanjo. It takes a bit of time to get used to the altitude, so save the big hikes for later in your stay!
Photo: Shev
Things to do in San José del Pacifico
While it may be most famous for its magic mushrooms, there is plenty to do, or not do in San José del Pacifico. From hiking the mountains to temazcals and hearty food, here are a few of my favourite things to do in San Jose del Pacifico:
1. Learn About San Jose’s Mushroom Culture
Let’s get the obvious one out of the way first. San José del Pacífico is famous for the psilocybin mushrooms that grow naturally in the surrounding mountains, and mushroom culture is a big part of the town’s identity.
You’ll see mushrooms everywhere, from artwork and souvenirs to restaurants and cabin decor. Some visitors also come specifically to participate in traditional mushroom ceremonies with local guides.
I’ve personally never done mushrooms in San José, so I can’t recommend a ceremony from firsthand experience. But don’t worry if that’s not your thing either. There is so much more to do here!
2. Hike to San Mateo Rio Hondo
This is one of my favourite things I’ve done in San Jose del Pacifico: hiking from San José del Pacifico to San Mateo Rio Hondo.
The trail leads you through the forest and along many picturesque creeks, bridges, and cabins hidden in the woods.
You can start in San José del Pacifico and walk the entire trail, or take a moto-taxi to the trailhead to shorten your walk.
From San Mateo, you can either hike back or take a moto taxi back to San Jose.
I did this hike at a very leisurely pace with lots of stops for photos in about 2.5 hours. We packed a picnic to eat along the way and took our time exploring the forest.
Make sure you leave some time to explore San Mateo as well. It has some beautiful churches and view points.
Photo: Shev
3. Experience a Temazcal
One of my favourite experiences in San José is a traditional temazcal. I especially love booking one in the evening when the mountain air is cool and you can warm up inside the steam.
I’ve done Temazcals in Huatulco, Baja California Sur, and in Tulum, but SanJo is still my favourite experience.
I’ve personally visited Cabañas y Temazcal Teteo Innan, both for their temazcal and to stay in one of their adorable mushroom-shaped cabins.
Their temazcal is built into the ground, and when I visited, the owner, Goyo, guided us through a four-stage meditation incorporating family, nature, and the earth.
4. Visit an Enchanted Forest
I love that the town of SanJo has completely embraced the mushroom theme. There’s no better place to feel the magic than by visiting one of its little “Enchanted Forests”.
Locals have created these fun little spaces where visitors can delight their inner child and take a million photos in the trees with the gnomes, elves, and elevated walkways.
Photo: Shev
5. Swing over the Mountains
When walking about San José del Pacifico you’ll see many signs for “columpios”, the Spanish word for swings.
These giant swings are built along the mountainsides so you can swing out toward the valley. On a clear day, you’ll get incredible mountain views. When the mist rolls in, you get spectacularly spooky photos instead.
6. Visit the Mirador
For an easy hike right from town, head up to the San José del Pacífico Mirador.
The hike is short, but the viewpoint gives you beautiful views over the surrounding mountains. There was a small entrance fee on my visits, so bring a little cash with you.
You will find the trail entrance through the Mirador Café, which is also a nice place to grab a coffee before or after your hike.
Pro tip: Go in the morning. I’ve found the skies are generally clearer earlier in the day, while the mist often rolls into the mountains in the afternoon and can completely hide the view.
Photo: Shev
7. Zipline Through the Mountains
I haven’t tried this one yet, but if you are looking to add a splash of adrenaline to your San José del Pacifico trip, check out Mirador Los Pinos for some tree-top adventure.
They have different elevated activities like ziplines, suspension bridges, and beautiful sunset views.
8. Visit the Artisans
Little artisan shops and street vendors line the main road through San José, and the mushroom theme definitely continues into the handicrafts.
You’ll find handmade mushroom keychains, knitted hats, ponchos and plenty of other souvenirs.
I bought some beautiful postcards at the Mercado de Artesanías on one of my visits, so it’s worth popping inside as you explore town.
Photo: Shev
9. Eat Your Way Around Town
This is one of my favourite things to do anywhere, and San José del Pacifico is no exception. Something about the crisp fresh air and elevation makes the food so good.
The tlayudas and quesadillas especially are incredible, and the chocolate tastes so much better in the cold mountain air!
Here are some of my favourite places I’ve eaten in San Jose del Pacifico:
- Restaurant Esther – traditional Oaxacan food
- Tatsu – asian food with incredible views
- Comedor Adelita – simple, hearty Mexican fare and hot chocolate right in town.
10. See What’s Happening in Town
San José might be tiny, but there’s often something going on. I’ve come across live music, artists and workshops at restaurants and little venues around town.
The best way to find out about these events is through posters and word-of-mouth around town. I’ve also spotted events on Instagram.
Photo: Shev
11. Do Absolutely Nothing
Seriously.
Part of the appeal of visiting San Jose del Pacifico is slowing down. Book a cabin with a view and a fireplace, and enjoy being immersed in nature.
After spending so much time on the hot Oaxacan coast, this is honestly one of my favourite things about coming up here.
You can find some places with good wifi, if you need to work remotely. But connection can be spotty.
So take advantage of the detox, and do some forest bathing!
When to Visit San José del Pacifico
The best time to visit San José del Pacifico for the mushrooms is in the summer, from June to October. This is when you will get fresh mushrooms!
The rest of the year you can still get mushrooms, but they will be dried or in a tea.
The best time to visit San José del Pacifico for hiking and seeing the other attractions is – all the time! Sanjo is great to visit year-round.
San José del Pacifico Weather
The weather in San José del Pacifico changes constantly throughout the day. Pretty typical for a mountain town!
I feel the town of San José del Pacifico is fun to visit year-round! Because of the high elevation, the weather is changing constantly, so you need to dress in layers no matter the time of year.
The coldest month in San José del Pacifico is December, and the hottest month is August. San José del Pacifico doesn’t have much of a rainy season, but at less than 3cm in the month February gets the most rain.
I find Sanjo to be very typical mountain weather. You can be sweating in the sun, but the moment a cloud or mist appears you will be chilled to the bone. No matter the time of year I bring clothes for all seasons!
I have visited San José del Pacifico in August, October, and February. October had a lot of mist while I was there, but I don’t feel the weather changes much throughout the year!
Where to Stay in San José del Pacifico
San José del Pacifico is where I like to visit when I’m tired of the heat in Huatulco. A mountain escape is so refreshing after the hot weather of Oaxaca’s coast.
For me, part of the fun of visiting San José del Pacífico is staying somewhere that feels like a proper mountain escape. I look for cozy cabins, fireplaces, forest views, and somewhere I can sit outside with a coffee and enjoy the cooler weather.
Accommodation in San José can be a little harder to find online than in other destinations in Oaxaca, but there are some beautiful cabins and small hotels around town.
Photo: Shev
Camino al Cielo: My Favourite for Mountain Views on a Budget
I enjoyed my stay at Camino al Cielo for the fireplace and balcony views. and it’s still one of my favourite places to stay in San José del Pacífico.
The property is small, with just a few cabins built into the steep mountainside. The cabins have comfortable beds, fireplaces and sliding glass doors overlooking the mountains. There’s also a small outdoor kitchen where you can make coffee or breakfast to enjoy on the patio.
It’s outside the centre of town, but I’ve always enjoyed the walk. You can also easily grab a moto-taxi when you don’t feel like walking.
Its also across the street from Teteo Innan, so its convenient to partake in a Temazcal there.
Best for: Mountain views, couples and a cozy cabin experience.
Alto de la Sierra: A Cozy Mountain Stay
I haven’t personally stayed at Alto de la Sierra, but it’s one I’d consider if you want something a little more polished while still getting the mountain views San José is known for.
The cabins are built into the mountainside with large windows and private balconies overlooking the surrounding landscape.
Best for: Mountain views with a few more comforts.
Cabañas Rancho Viejo
Cabañas Rancho Viejo is just outside of San José del Pacifico and one of the highest-rated stays in the area.
The staff are extremely helpful and responsive from the moment you book until check out, helping you with luggage, transportation, and booking activities.
Cabins range from twin rooms with a terrace to 3-bedroom chalets, matching every budget!
Cabañas Rancho Viejo is only a 5-minute ride in the moto-taxi from the restaurants and activities in town, or about 20 minutes walking.
This San José del Pacifico hotel is across the street from where the vans stop, so its easily accessible on foot, even with luggage.
Photo: Shev
Best Restaurants in San José del Pacifico
This is always my favourite category. San José del Pacifico has some of the best food in Oaxaca, here are some of my favourite spots.
La Morenita
This is always my first stop in San José del Pacifico, La Morenita. If you are looking for the best authentic Mexican food in San José del Pacifico, look no further than La Morenita!
I always get a cup of Oaxacan chocolate and a mix of tacos and quesadillas. Then I like to order a tlayuda to go to eat in front of the fire in my cabin later.
Photo: Shev
Comedor Esther
Restaurante Esther is famous for their traditional Oaxacan breakfasts. They don’t have a menu, just whatever is being made that day! You definitely need to know a little Spanish to eat here, or be ok with a surprise!
Tatsu
It’s no secret that I love Asian food, and there are not a lot of options in Huatulco. That’s why when I visit San José del Pacifico I always go to Tatsu, usually more than once!
Tatsu is an Asian-fusion restaurant a short (but steep!) walk from the centre of Sanjo. Their ramen and noodle dishes are my favourites, but we usually order a few things and share them because I can never choose just one dish!
This is also one of the best places in San José del Pacifico to see the sunset. The restaurant’s terrace is perfectly situated in the mountain to give spectacular views of the mist and changing colours as the sun goes down.
Huitzil
This restaurant is part of Cabañas y Temazcal Teteo Innan Alma and is my favourite dinner place in San José del Pacifico. And not just because the owners are friends!
I had a wild fresh mushroom soup that I will never forget, and the best arrachera I’ve ever had (and I love arrachera!).
The restaurant is hopelessly quaint tucked into the back of the property. I definitely recommend visiting!
Photo: Shev
Tips for Visiting San José del Pacifico
Now that you know about all the great reasons to visit San José del Pacifico, Oaxaca, here are some travel tips I’ve learned to make sure you get the most out of your trip!
Avoiding Altitude Sickness
San José del Pacífico sits around 2,500 metres (8,200 feet) above sea level, so you may notice the elevation, especially if you’re arriving from the coast. I find I get tired more easily up here, so take it easy when you first arrive and stay hydrated.
Avoid Motion Sickness
As I mentioned in my tips for getting to San José del Pacifico, the road to get in and out of town is steep and full of switchbacks. I don’t often experience motion sickness, but when I do its on the way to Sanjo!
Even once you’re in San José del Pacifico the moto taxis can bring on the nausea. So be sure to always have your medication handy!
Bring Cash (in Pesos!)
There is no ATM in San José del Pacifico, and very few places accept card payments. Bring plenty of Mexican pesos with you. Many small restaurants, shops, moto-taxis and activities prefer or require cash, and I wouldn’t rely on being able to use a card everywhere.
The only acceptable currency in San José del Pacifico is the Mexican Peso. USD is not accepted.
Prepare to be Off-Grid
Wi-Fi and cell service can be inconsistent in San José. Some accommodations have decent enough Wi-Fi for basic work, but I wouldn’t come here expecting a reliable remote-work setup. Download anything important before you arrive and enjoy the excuse to disconnect.
There’s a lot of Smoke
Between the coals for cooking and the wood fires for heating everywhere, there can be a lot of smoke in the air! Just a friendly warning for anyone with asthma or allergies, the air quality can be affected.
San José del Pacifico, Oaxaca – FAQ
Is San José del Pacifico Safe?
Yes – San José del Pacifico is a safe, quiet mountain town in Oaxaca. The locals are quiet and welcoming of visitors who respect their traditions.
How high is San José del Pacifico?
San José del Pacífico sits around 2,500 metres (8,200 feet) above sea level. If you’re arriving from the Oaxacan coast, you may notice the change in elevation.
Does San José del Pacifico have Wifi?
Yes, but don’t count on it being fast or reliable. Some hotels and restaurants have decent Wi-Fi, while other connections can be very spotty.
The cell network is also inconsistent. TelCel works in the main part of the town, but you will lose service regularly while walking about.
How long in San José del Pacifico?
I recommend at least two days in San José del Pacifico, but many people stay just for a night in between Oaxaca City and the beach towns on the Oaxacan Coast.
Because of the elevation, you will find you need one day to rest and adjust and then you will be ready to adventure the next day!
Is there an ATM in San José del Pacifico?
No – there are no ATMs in San José del Pacifico, and few places accept credit or debit cards. Be sure you bring enough pesos with you in cash before visiting San José del Pacifico!
Shev’s Summary – San José del Pacifico, Oaxaca
San José del Pacífico is one of my favourite escapes in Oaxaca. While it may be famous for its magic mushrooms, you definitely don’t need to partake to enjoy this little mountain town.
I come back for the hiking trails, misty mountain views, cozy cabins, incredible food, hot chocolate, and the chance to trade the heat of the Oaxacan coast for cool mountain air.
If you’re travelling between Oaxaca City and the coast, I recommend staying for at least a night rather than simply passing through. Better yet, give yourself two nights to slow down, explore the forest, and enjoy a completely different side of Oaxaca.
Loved San José del Pacífico? Head to Oaxaca’s coffee country next with my guide to Pluma Hidalgo.
