San Jose del Pacifico: A Place Close to Heaven
At 2,500 meters above sea level in the southern highlands of Oaxaca, San Jose del Pacifico is a cloud-wrapped mountain village where locals say you can touch the sky. Surrounded by trees and clouds, it offers exceptional panoramic views. But this place is full of magic and mysticism — the consumption of sacred mushrooms here dates back to pre-Hispanic times, when the Zapotecs used them for religious rituals and revelation. In the 1960s, the famous shaman Maria Sabina helped popularize their use.
“The sacred mushroom takes me by the hand and takes me to the world where everything is known.” — Maria Sabina
Travelers looking to delve into this journey of introspection arrive in San Jose del Pacifico during June to September, the rainy season, when fungi grow. For a deeper dive into this destination, see our San Jose del Pacifico essential travel guide.
In addition to the consumption of mushrooms, this place is ideal for personal spiritual reunion and healing, since temazcal baths are very popular, which purify the body.
What to Do in San Jose del Pacifico
For travelers heading to Mazunte or Zipolite, two of the most popular beaches in the state of Oaxaca, San Jose del Pacifico is a must-see stop along the way.
Thanks to its landscapes and geography, here you can carry out activities in contact with nature such as:
- Hiking: there are many paths to do this activity. Most are climbs that you can do on your own, although you can hire the services of people who can help you travel these roads and enjoy the wonderful landscapes of the place. You can also travel by mountain bike.
- Visit the Golan Heights viewpoint: from this viewpoint, you can admire really beautiful landscapes. Unlike the viewpoint of Los Pinos, this one is a little safer (since you do not have to climb a 12-meter staircase and stay on a small platform). In the Golan Heights, you can observe the horizon and take spectacular photographs.
- Zipline: For those looking for slightly more extreme thrills, you can find the adrenaline you need by taking a zipline tour. There are some that have routes from 130 to 800 meters and enjoy from the heights the landscapes of the mountains.
- The extreme swing: very close to San Jose del Pacifico you can find a forest that has two swings. Located 2,400 meters from sea level, when you rock on these swings you will feel that you are touching the clouds.
- Visit the handicraft markets: the town has different handicraft markets where you can buy the traditional handmade ponchos, the traditional drink of Oaxaca, mezcal, or buy some woven mushroom figures, characteristic of the place.
If what you need is tranquility, the fresh air of the mountains, and contact with nature, San Jose del Pacifico is undoubtedly your place.
Spending a few days in this place is very affordable so you can travel on a budget.
What to Eat in San Jose del Pacifico
In San Jose del Pacifico you can enjoy the traditional Oaxacan cuisine: mole, chocolate, tlayudas, and an extensive range of dishes. But some restaurants offer an international menu, believe it or not, with Italian being one of the favorites.
Image by Ashley Celic Garcia Leyte
How to Get to San Jose del Pacifico
To get to San Jose del Pacifico, you can drive your own car or consider renting one. You can also take a bus from Oaxaca City, or if you are in Mazunte, Puerto Escondido, or Zipolite, take a bus — both routes make frequent trips and you do not need to book a seat in advance. For transport details from Puerto Escondido, see our guide on how to get from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido.
From Oaxaca City, the trip will take you around 3 hours. If you are traveling from Puerto Escondido, you will have to arrive first in Pochutla for about an hour and a half and from there take another bus that will take you to San Jose del Pacifico.
Where to Stay
In San Jose del Pacifico you will find several cabins and small hostels to spend a few days of tranquility. Most people spend around 3 nights in this place since in addition to contact with nature, there are not too many activities to do and the weather is cold, so we recommend you wear clothes that keep you warm especially at night.
You should also consider that the payments for accommodation (mostly) and activities are made in cash.
We invite you to discover more magical places in Oaxaca: