San José del Pacifico, Oaxaca – A Local Guide
Planning a trip to San José del Pacifico, Oaxaca? This little mountain town is a hidden gem in Mexico that’s worth a visit in 2023!
San José del Pacifico is a small town in the heart of the Sierra Madre Sur mountains in Oaxaca, Mexico. It’s well-known for its great food, authentic culture, and the psychedelic mushrooms that grow in its mountain conditions.
Halfway between Oaxaca City and the Oaxacan Coast, San José del Pacifico is a perfect place to stay a night to break up the journey between Oaxaca City and the coast, or as a destination for a quiet retreat.
I like to visit San José del Pacifico every few months when I need a break from the heat of Huatulco. I’ve compiled my tips and tricks from my many visits and am here to share them with you!
Photo: Shev
san josé del pacifico, OAXACA, Mexico
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! San José del Pacifico is one of my favourite towns in Oaxaca. Read on for some of my favourite things to do in San José del Pacifico!
Photo: Shev
san josÉ del pacifico, OAXACA, Mexico
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.
Regarding travel time, San José del Pacifico sits exactly between the coastal towns of Huatulco or Puerto Escondido and Oaxaca City. Geographically, however, it is much closer to the coast.
This is because the only way to get to San José del Pacifico is by Highway 175 which connects Oaxaca City with the coast, straight through the mountains.
The 175 may technically be a “highway”, but in reality, the road is narrow and winds endlessly through the rocky terrain. It is not for the faint of heart!
San José del Pacifico, or Sanjo 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.
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!
San José del Pacifico Map
san josé del pacifico, OAXACA, Mexico
How to get to San José del Pacifico
Getting to San José del Pacifico is simple, but the travel conditions can be difficult. Because of its location deep in the mountains, there is only one road in and out!
“Highway” 175 that goes through Sanjo can only be accessed by car or van. The road is too small and narrow for busses.
And the road is not easy! The Sierra Madre Sur mountain range is made up of rock and jungle. The road is twisty and windy and the conditions are often rainy and misty.
How to get to San José del Pacifico from Oaxaca City
Hire a Driver or Take a Tour
If you are prone to motion sickness you will have more control over the journey and the ability to make stops.
For a private driver, your best option is to talk to taxi drivers in Oaxaca City. You will be able to negotiate a price for the trip. However, getting a taxi back from San José del Pacifico may be more difficult.
Take a Tour
Taking a tour from Oaxaca City to San José del Pacifico is a great way to visit the town! 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!
Rent a Car
If you are comfortable driving single-lane, curvy mountain roads, then you might be interested in renting a car and driving yourself.
The best way to compare rental car prices in Oaxaca is with Discover Cars. It will show you local and international rental companies and prices so you can pick the best fit for you!
Photo: Shev
Van and Shuttle Options
If you are the adventurous sort, taking a van to San José del Pacifico is the simplest and cheapest way to get there from Oaxaca City. It’s affordable and you don’t have to worry about driving the crazy roads yourself!
There are several van services that run from Oaxaca City to the beach towns along the Oaxacan coast, all of which make a stop in San José del Pacifico.
Lineas Unidas
This bus line goes from Oaxaca City to Pochutla. It’s the cheapest bus from Oaxaca City to San José del Pacifico, but it’s also the least comfortable.
Lineas Unidas has a fleet of Mercedes vans, but they are smaller than the Expressos Colombos vans. For the 3-hour ride from Oaxaca City to Sanjo I find it to be fine!
The Lineas Unidas depot is close to the historic centre of Oaxaca. You can buy your tickets in cash in person at the depot. I like to get mine the day ahead of my trip just to be safe, but if you are travelling alone it’s not usually hard to find a single seat.
Another perk of Lineas Unidas is they have a kiosk in San José del Pacifico, so you can buy your exit ticket easily. With the other van lines, you will have to buy your ticket out of Sanjo in advance.
Expressos Colombo Huatulco
Expressos Colombo Huatulco is a Huatulco-based van line that runs a route from Oaxaca City to La Crucecita in Huatulco.
This is the van I normally take, and I feel is the most comfortable! The seats are more spacious and comfortable than Lineas Unidas.
When you buy your ticket in Oaxaca, you can buy your exit ticket at the same time, or get the WhatsApp information so you can book it later in San José del Pacifico.
Huatulco 2000
Another Huatulco van line, these are smaller vans that depart from La Crucecita, Oaxaca. The Huatulco 2000 suburban line also runs from Huatulco to Oaxaca City, with a stop in San José del Pacifico.
Huatulco 2000 is a smaller company so the transit times are less frequent, but the service is great!
Photo: Shev
Puerto Escondido to San José del Pacifico
If you are coming from Oaxaca’s famous surf town, Puerto Escondido, you will first need to go to Pochutla if you want to stop in San José del Pacifico. These are the van line options for you!
Delfines & Lineas Unidas
From Puerto Escondido, take a Transportes Delfines van to San Pedro Pochutla. From there, you can catch the Lineas Unidas van towards Oaxaca City and San José del Pacifico.
Zipolite to San José del Pacifico
Lineas Unidas also has a depot in Zipolite, the famous clothing-optional beach in Oaxaca, so it’s easy to get to San José del Pacifico from Zipolite.
This is a great way to get to San José del Pacifico from Mazunte or San Agustinillo as well.
Huatulco to San José del Pacifico
Expressos Colombos Huatulco
Same as coming from Oaxaca City, but on the other end! Expressos Colombo Huatulco has many service times and comfortable vans for the wild road to San José del Pacifico.
Huatulco 2000
Smaller than the big Mercedes vans at Expressos Colombos, Huatulco 2000 is another option to get to San José del Pacifico from Huatulco.
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
san josé del pacifico, OAXACA, Mexico
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! Here are a few of my favourite things:
1. Participate in a Mushroom Ceremony
Let’s get the obvious one out of the way first! Yes, people come from all over to take part in the psilocybin that grows naturally in the area.
Keep in mind that magic mushrooms are an illegal substance in Mexico, including San José del Pacifico. But because of their significance to the local culture and history, they are used commonly as a part of traditional ceremonies.
There are several tours you can take with a local guide that incorporate the use of psilocybin respectfully.
Nature Walk in San José del Pacifico
2. Visit the Enchanted Forest
I love that the town of San-Jo has completely embraced the mushroom theme. And no better place to feel the magic than by visiting one of the Enchanted Forests.
Locals have created these fun little spaces where visitors can delight their inner child and take a million photos in the trees!
Photo: Shev
3. Swing over the Cliffs
When walking about San José del Pacifico you’ll see many signs for “Columpios”. This is just the Spanish word for “swing”, and will direct you to giant swings all over town!
The columpios are set up to allow you to swing out over the side of the mountain. You’ll either get a stunning view, or spectacularly spooky photos in the mist like this one of me!
4. Take Part in a Temazcal
San José del Pacifico is the best place in Oaxaca to experience a traditional Temazcal. I love to book it for the evening, so you can enjoy the cool mountain air and the warm steam from the sauna.
The Temazcals in San José del Pacifico are usually guided by locals and are deeply connected to nature and the elements.
I love visiting Cabañas y Temazcal Teteo Innan both for their traditional temazcal and to stay in their adorable mushroom-shaped cabin!
The Temazcals at Cabañas y Temazcal Teteo Innan Alma are built into the ground, and the owner, Goyo, guides you through a four-stage meditation.
Photo: Shev
5. Visit the Mirador
After a day in the elevation, you can take the entry-level hike to find the Mirador! You can see the letters from all over town, but can you find them?
The hike to the Mirador is short but you will be rewarded with spectacular views! There is a small fee to enter the viewpoint, so bring a few extra pesos with you.
You will find the trail entrance through the Mirador Café.
Pro tip: It’s best to do this hike in the morning when it’s clear, the mist comes in the afternoon normally which can “cloud” the view.
There is also a cute restaurant at the bottom where you can have a coffee before or after your hike!
Photo: Shev
6. Hike to San Mateo Rio Hondo
This is one of my favourite activities in Sanjo, walking 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. This will knock about an hour off your walk!
From San Mateo, you can either hike back or take a moto taxi back to San Jo.
7. Zipline over the Sierra Madre Mountains
If you are looking to add a splash of adrenaline to your San José del Pacifico trip, look no further than these ziplines over the tree tops!
Highly rated with spectacular views, gliding along the mountain peaks on a 600m zip is a great way to spice up your cozy Sanjo holiday.
Photo: Shev
8. Visit the Artisans
San José del Pacifico has embraced the mushroom theme in all the best ways – even in their handicrafts!
Little artisan shops and street sellers line the main road of Sanjo. Pay a visit to the artisans and get your handmade mushroom keychains, ponchos, or even hats!
The Mercado de Artisanias is an indoor market that has some locally made treats and even photography, I bought some beautiful postcards there last time!
9. Eat!
This is one of my favourite things to do in San José del Pacifico. 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!
10. Join a Local Event
The local restaurants are often hosting events around town. You will find live music, artists, and even workshops year-round throughout the town.
The best way to find out about these events is through posters and word-of-mouth around town. Sometimes I find events shared on Instagram as well!
Photo: Shev
san josé del pacifico, OAXACA, Mexico
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!
Photo: Shev
San josé del pacifico, OAXACA, Mexico
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!
What I love about this Oaxaca mountain town is a chance to cozy up in a log cabin with a fireplace – so that’s what I always look for in my accommodations in San José del Pacifico.
Photo: Shev
Camino al Cielo
Camino al Cielo San José del Pacifico is the first places I stayed in Sanjo and I’ve been back many times! The property is small with just a few cabins built into the steep mountainside.
From the comfortable beds you can enjoy both the fireplace and an unobstructed view of the mountains through the sliding glass door.
There is a small kitchen outside, so you can make your own coffee and breakfast to enjoy from the patio.
The Camino al Cielo cabins are about a 10-minute walk from downtown San José del Pacifico, but you can easily catch a moto taxi if you prefer. Its also across the street from Teteo Innan, so its convenient to partake in a Temazcal there!
“Unbelievably beautiful property and highlight of my month in Mexico. 20 minute walk from downtown but you can tuk tuk, I enjoyed the walk. Great shower which was always hot, room didn’t get too cold, exceptional view and decent internet for the location.”
Tom – (More Reviews)
Alto de la Sierra
Booking Alto de la Sierra (Above the Sierra) cabins in San José del Pacifico is the way to stay in ultimate mountain comfort!
The breathtaking cabañas at Alto de la Sierra are built into the rocky mountainside, each with a private balcony and floor to ceiling windows to enjoy the views.
Every room has an electric fireplace, so you get all the comfort with none of the hassle of a wood stove!
“This hotel is perched high up on the hills overlooking the mountain town of San José Del Pacifico. The staff were exceptionally helpful and friendly, and the cabins are cosy and warm, with an electric fire and wooden walls. The balcony though is by far the best part of the room, overlooking the valley, completely immersing you in nature. Coffee facilities areavailable in the general breakfast room free of charge, the bathroom was nice, and the bed was huge and very comfy.”
James – (More Reviews)
Cabañas Rancho Viejo
Cabañas Rancho Viejo is just outside of San José del Pacifico and one of the highest-rated stays in the area.
Tucked into the trees, guests love the undisturbed sounds of nature Cabañas Rancho Viejo offers.
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.
“I was very impressed with Cabañas Rancho Viejo. Friendly staff who helped me with my luggage to and from my cabin, responsive communication on WhatsApp, very cute cabaña with nice touches like towels folded into swans and firewood set up in the fireplace, and easy booking for local things to do like temazcal and ziplining. You can tell that they’re putting in the effort to make this a nice experience to match the natural beauty of San José del Pacífico.”
rob – (More Reviews)
Photo: Shev
san josé del pacifico, OAXACA, Mexico
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
I eat here a lot because it’s close to both Camino al Cielo and Teteo Innan, where I usually stay when visiting San José del Pacifico.
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!
Pro Tip: I didn’t know any Spanish before I moved to Mexico, but was determined to learn. I tried many techniques, but the best thing I found was the Pimsleur program.
The audio lessons changed everything for me and within a month I could order confidently in a restaurant! Now I am comfortably conversational thanks to Pimsleur and practicing.
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
san josé del pacifico, OAXACA, Mexico
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 Pacifico sits at 2,500 metres (over 8,000 feet) above sea level. Some people experience altitude sickness starting at 1,500m, so it’s possible you might feel some symptoms!
Staying hydrated will help with any headaches associated with the altitude. The climate in Sanjo is very dry, so if you are coming from the coast your body will be affected by the lack of humidity and the elevation.
Drink that water and electrolytes!
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. Cash is king and you will need it for all tours (unless you book online) and meals.
The only acceptable currency in San José del Pacifico is the Mexican Peso. You will find very few people willing to take USD.
Prepare to be Off-Grid
The cell reception in San José del Pacifico is spotty at best, and the internet is almost non-existent. This is a place to come to disconnect from the world and connect with nature!
It is nearly impossible to work remotely in San José del Pacifico (believe me, I’ve tried). So it’s best to set your expectations and just enjoy the trees and fresh air!
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, Mexico
San José del Pacifico, Oaxaca – FAQ
What is San José del Pacifico, Oaxaca?
San José del Pacifico is a small village in the Sierra Madre Sur mountain range of Oaxaca, Mexico.
While most famous for the psilocybin mushrooms that grow in the region, the town of San José del Pacifico is a beautiful destination for anyone who enjoys a quiet mountain retreat!
Is San José del Pacifico worth visiting?
Yes – San José del Pacifico, Oaxaca is an adorable mountain town worth visiting, even if you don’t want to partake in mushrooms.
The landscape is beautiful and perfect for relaxing. Or you can get out and explore! San José del Pacifico is truly one of the best towns in Oaxaca to visit.
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 Pacifico sits 2,500 metres above sea level. That’s more than 8,000 feet! You may find that you are easily fatigued in your first few days in Sanjo as a result of the elevation.
Headaches are also a common symptom of altitude sickness at this level.
Does San José del Pacifico have Wifi?
Yes – but it’s slow. Most hotels and restaurants in San José del Pacifico offer free wifi connection, but the signal is spotty and weak at best.
Even the cell network is inconsistent. TelCel works in the main part of the town, but you will lose service regularly while walking about.
A Netflix movie will eventually load, but its nearly impossible to work remotely in San José del Pacifico.
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!
san josé del pacifico, OAXACA, Mexico
Shev’s Summary – San José del Pacifico, Oaxaca
San José del Pacifico is a truly unique town in the culturally rich state of Oaxaca, Mexico. Known as Mexico’s Magic Mushroom Town, there is so much more to this little mountain village!
The hiking trails and viewpoints San José del Pacifico offers are enough for me to make the trip through the winding mountain roads of Oaxaca. But the food, chocolate, artisans, and general magic of the town are what truly make Sanjo a must-visit destination in Oaxaca.
Whether you are passing through on your way between Oaxaca City and the coast, or are looking for a relaxing getaway, San José del Pacifico is a great spot in Oaxaca, Mexico to visit!
Loved San José del Pacifico? You might also love Oaxaca’s coffee capital – Pluma Hidalgo!
> Oaxaca Travel Guide
