San José del Pacífico

San José del Pacífico is a beautiful hillside town high in the mountains in the state of Oaxaca, Mexico.

San José del Pacífico is about 2440 m/8000 ft high on the Pochutla-Oaxaca highway (175), and makes a good overnight stopover when driving between Oaxaca City and the Pacific Coast, though as of March 2024, the new freeway from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido (which cut travel time in half) means that many beach-bound travelers bypass the San José area entirely. San José del Pacífico is also known for its psychedelic mushrooms.

San José del Pacífico can be accessed from either Oaxaxa city or the Pacific coast. The roads from either directions are long, windy and slow. From Oaxaca, expect a 3-hour drive to travel 140 km of road.

Buses go from Oaxaca to San José del Pacífico for M$95 per person (likely out of date).

There are at least three shared van services traveling from Oaxaca to San José (and beyond). Locals call them "suburban". They run large, air-conditioned vans, though sometimes the AC is broken, and make multiple stops. The trip is supposed to take three hours.

• Huatulco 2000, ☏ +52 5655750389. This seems to be the most well-established company, and is located just west of the Oaxaca town center. There may be only two departures per day, both in the morning, but they do take reservations in advance. $230. (updated Mar 2024)

• Líneas Unidas. This company also seems very organized, and is located just southeast of the city center, with scheduled departures for San José approximately every 45 minutes for most of the day. It seems to have a reputation for crazy drivers. $180. (updated Mar 2024)

• Eclipse 70. Located near Líneas Unidas, with a bit more of a casual vibe. They may refuse to make a reservation, especially more than a day in advance, but "guarantee" departures about every 45 minutes throughout the day (presumably meaning they won't be canceled or delayed if not enough people show up). $180. (updated Mar 2024)

The town is very compact and can be accessed by foot.

• The natural surroundings are amazing: take a walk around the town and enjoy views of the village nestled into the mountains.

• Hiking: There are several trails that take you up the mountains and into the forest.
• Spas: There are at least a dozen wellness spas offering traditional temazcal (indigenous sauna) with holistic healing and other services

• 16.167469-96.5000761 Temazcal Yolitztli, Adelante de la escuela, ☏ +52 951 416 5577. Daily 07:00 - 21:00. A temazcal is an indigenous style of sauna accompanied by ancient healing rituals. This one is run by a local family in a woodland setting.  (updated Jun 2026)
• 16.175701-96.5112292 Zaapeche Temazcalli (Casa Maina) (at Rancho Primavera), ☏ +52 561 386 4302. Tu-Su 09:00 - 18:00, closed M. Traditional healing ceremonies and temazcal with rituals, mushrooms and healing potions.  (updated Jun 2026)

• There are plenty of interesting arts and crafts for sale in the town. The Taberna de los Duendes offers authentic Italian and a large selection of Mezcal infusions.
• Psychedelic mushrooms. Although the sale and possession of psilocin and psilocybin are prohibited, this is mostly unenforced against traditional use by indigenous users, and also non-indigenous users may get away with it to some extent. As with other psychoactive substances, there are a host of risks, especially if used without adequate knowledge. Mushroom season runs from about July to October but they may be found at other times preserved in honey.  

• 16.173073-96.5057271 Teonanácatl, Carretera Oaxaca - Puerto Angel km 131, ☏ +52 951 876 2082. Daily 07:00 - 22:00. Comfortably casual restaurant serving traditional Mexican cuisine with a few Oaxacan regional specialties, like their popular spicy mushroom soup. Strong locally grown and roasted coffee is served (either regular, or as cafe de olla, brewed with cinnamon). Local craft beers are served (brewed in Puerto Escondido). M$300.  (updated Jun 2026)
• 16.170723-96.4985932 Comedor Monte Sinai, San Jose del Pacifico, ☏ +52 951 271 9360. Daily 08:00 - 22:00. Old fashioned, family run no-frills eatery serving very authentic Oaxacan country cooking. Food is scratch made, and the homemade tortillas are light years better than the mass produced tortillas served in too many modern Mexican restaurants. Chicken mole is a good choice for dinner. A cup of strong coffee will cost an extra M$20. Outdoor seating is available on a small deck with outstanding mountain scenery. M$100.  (updated Jun 2026)
• 16.168619-96.503233 Tatsu, Carratera Federal Oaxaca - Puerto Angel, Km. 132.5, ☏ +52 777 210 0465. M-Sa 15:00 - 21:00, closed Su. Bright, cheery Asian restaurant serving a mix of Japanese and Chinese cuisines with a sushi bar. An outdoor deck affords views of the Pacific Ocean in the distance. Comfortably elegant with friendly service. M$300.  (updated Jun 2026)

In addition to places in town, there are several hostels, cabanas, and ranchos along Avenida Rancho Viejo.

• 16.173012-96.5054941 Puesta Del Sol, Carretera Federal, Oaxaca - Puerto Angel 175, ☏ +52 951 190 8256. Check-in: 16:00, check-out: 12:00. Mountainside hotel with cabins and restaurant.  (updated Jun 2026)
• 16.169712-96.4996862 Hostal Mandala, Pacifico, ☏ +52 951 455 5922. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Small, rustic hostel with basic accommodations and dated decor, but given the low prices, it is a budget travelers gem. Kitchen is not available for guests to cook, but there is a comedor (lunch counter) selling tasty food and drinks at very affordable prices. M$300.  (updated Jun 2026)
• 16.170865-96.5022383 El Sueño Atrapado, Hidalgo 10, ☏ +52 951 281 2399. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Rustic hostel with basic but comfortable and clean accommodations with hot showers. Private rooms are available as are bunks in a shared dorm. A shared kitchen is available. M$500 (private room).  (updated Jun 2026)

If heading north, visit Oaxaca, the historical town. If heading south to the coast, be sure to visit Mazunte, a hippy beach town or Puerto Escondido, the famous surf beach.

• Huautla is another Oaxacan town famous for its shaman and curanderas using hallucinogenic mushrooms.