What to Do in San José del Pacifico: A Traveler’s Guide

Some places don’t make sense until you’re standing there, breathing in misty mountain air and wondering if time slowed down just for this. That’s San José del Pacifico for you. Tucked high up in the Sierra Sur mountains between Oaxaca City and Puerto Escondido, it’s not your average tourist spot—it’s more of a pause button. A place where everything feels a little softer, a little slower, and a little stranger.

You’ve probably heard the whispers: magic mushrooms, mist-shrouded pine forests, quiet cabins with balconies offering beautiful views… It’s all true. But there’s more. And it’s not all trippy. Let’s break down what to actually do in San José del Pacifico—beyond the obvious, but also including it. Because let’s be honest, you’re probably curious.

First, Where Is San José del Pacifico?

So, geographically: It’s somewhere between Oaxaca City and the beach town of Puerto Escondido. About 3 hours from each, depending on the roads and your level of motion sickness. The curves are no joke. Some people swear by ginger candies or even motion sickness bands. Honestly? Just avoid a full stomach and maybe skip reading a book on the way.

The town itself is tiny. Really tiny. A walkable town, with a few scattered cabins, cafes, and curiously decorated shops that mostly sell ponchos and mushroom memorabilia. The bus station, usually served by Líneas Unidas, is more of a roadside drop-off. Don’t expect much signage.

Quick Tips Before You Arrive

• Cash is king – There are no ATMs. Bring emergency cash.
• Cell signal is spotty, and WiFi is… let’s say rustic.
• Don’t forget your trustworthy travel insurance options, especially if you plan on hiking or, well, trying anything mind-expanding.
• Bring layers – It can be hot in Puerto Escondido, but it gets cold up here. Sometimes really cold.
• Rainy season (May to October) = lush but slippery. Dry season (November to April) = clear skies, better hiking.

Top Things to Do in San José del Pacifico

1. Embrace the Mushroom Culture (Responsibly)

Okay, let’s get this one out of the way.

San José del Pacifico has become something of a magic mushroom capital. You’ll see references to Oaxaca Magic Mushrooms, hallucinogenic mushrooms, and even framed photos of Maria Sabina—the Mazatec healer who helped introduce psychedelic mushrooms to the Western world.

There are plenty of mushroom ceremonies offered around town. Some are done with respect and tradition. Others, less so. If you’re curious, try finding a proper mushroom ceremony led by locals who understand the cultural context. Don’t treat it like a party drug. This isn’t Ibiza. It’s a magical village—and you’ll feel that, especially if the clouds roll in while you’re on a mountaintop.

Also worth noting: fresh mushrooms are seasonal. The mushroom season typically runs through the rainy season, especially late summer. Outside of that, they might be dried or… absent.

Pro Tip: Ask your accommodation or visit Teonanácatl Restaurant for recommendations on trustworthy guides and ceremonies.

2. Watch the Sunset from an Observation Deck

There are a few spots with observation decks, many attached to cabins with balconies. But even standing on a street in town, you might get sunset views worth writing home about. The skies here stretch in a way that makes you pause mid-sentence.

If you want the panoramic views, check out places like Cabañas la Cumbre. Their cozy A-frame cabins have some of the incredible balconies overlooking ridgelines that seem to go on forever.

3. Go Hiking Through the Pine Forests

There are multiple hiking trails that start from town or nearby. Some lead to key viewpoints, others to nearby villages like San Mateo Río or San Mateo. Most aren’t marked super clearly, so either go with a guide or ask locals for route info.

You don’t have to be an outdoor adventure enthusiast to enjoy this. The air is crisp, the natural beauty is endless, and the sound of wind through the pines? Kind of eerie. In a good way.

Hiking Stats:

Trail	Distance	Est. Time	Difficulty
San Mateo Loop	6 km	2–3 hrs	Moderate
Cumbre Ridge	3.5 km	1.5 hrs	Easy
Hidden Pools Trail	7 km	3.5 hrs	Challenging

4. Try an Authentic Temazcal Ceremony

If you’re not familiar, a temazcal is a traditional Mesoamerican sweat lodge. Some say it’s cleansing. Others say it’s like being slowly roasted in a human clay oven. Either way, it’s intense—and memorable.

Look for places like Cabañas y Temazcal Teteo or ask around town for a powerful temazcal experience. Most sessions use volcanic rocks, herbs, chanting, and steam. You’ll emerge sweaty, maybe emotional, and probably grateful for a cup of tea.

5. Eat (Really) Good Food

You might not expect a tiny remote mountain town to offer much in terms of delicious food—but it delivers. Seriously.

• Teonanácatl Restaurant: Known for mushroom-themed dishes (obviously), including edible mushrooms in soups, omelets, and stews.
• Itoo Cafe: One of my favourite cafes, with strong coffee, vegan snacks, and views that’ll make you stay too long.
• Cafe Express: Solid Asian food, which is… surprising but oddly comforting.
• Healthy & Vegan Restaurants: Several options pop up if you’re on foot near the center of town.

There are also some Mexican restaurants with hearty, warm meals. Many spots offer vegetarian options and cater to backpackers on tight budgets.

Pro Tip: Avoid the pricier night buses on a full stomach—roads are twisty and unforgiving.

6. Stargaze. Seriously, Just Look Up

There’s almost zero light pollution up here. On a clear night, the night sky will punch you in the chest. Bring a blanket, lie on your back, and watch it all unfold. Shooting stars are not uncommon.

7. Do Nothing. And Be Okay With That

This might sound silly, but one of the best things to do here is… nothing. Sit on a porch. Drink tea. Watch fog roll in. Talk to no one. Or talk to strangers. Or read that book you’ve carried in your backpack for six weeks.

San Jose del Pacifico isn’t about cramming in activities. It’s about letting go of the need to.

Where to Stay: Accommodation Options

There are plenty of cabins, hostels, and cozy A-frames. Prices range from $10 to $60 USD per night. Some places are more luxurious (hot tubs, breakfast, fireplaces), others just give you four walls and a view.

• Cabañas la Cumbre – Highly rated, beautiful balconies, epic views.
• Casa de la Abuela – Near the center of town, simple and cheap.
• Cabañas Teteo – Combines lodging with authentic temazcal options.

Bring cash for lodging. Some places don’t accept cards.

Getting There: Routes and Travel Tips

From Oaxaca City, catch a Líneas Unidas van (around 3 hours). From Puerto Escondido, similar story—same company, sometimes different vibe. The route is popular with backpackers, but not always smooth.

• Route Info: Buses leave from the bus station every couple hours.
• Tickets: Cost about 15–20 pesos more if booked last minute. Plan ahead.
• Alternative: Hire a taxi if you’re traveling in a group—it might cost more but feels less… jarring.

Always check Mexico Google MapGet or any digital guide before setting out.

Conclusion

San José del Pacifico is a paradox: a town with plenty, but also very little. It’s part ethereal outskirts of town dreamscape, part hiker’s haven, part spiritual reboot.

If you’re the kind of traveler who craves something different—something a bit offbeat and oddly grounding—San José del Pacifico Oaxaca might just be it. Go with an open mind. Maybe a jacket. Definitely cash. And be ready to feel a little weird—in the best possible way.

Whether you come for the psychedelic mushrooms, the gorgeous viewpoints, the hiking, the food, or just the vibe—you’ll leave with something. Maybe clarity. Maybe just a cool story.

Either way, go slow. This town rewards stillness.

Frequently Asked Questions