San Jose del Pacifico Itinerary (3 Nights): Where to Stay + San Mateo + Things to do

Mountains, cloud inversions, hot chocolate, magic mushrooms, and sunsets are all things you can expect to experience in this 3 night San Jose del Pacifico itinerary. This magic mushroom town in the heart of the Oaxaca mountains is the perfect place to unwind and breathe in crisp mountain air. In this post I’ll share all the best things to do in San Jose del Pacifico as well as tell you where to stay, and give you tips to ensure your trip is a success.

I spent 3 nights/4 magical days in San Jose del Pacifico hiking, relaxing, indulging in the local delicacies (mushrooms/cacao), and watching the most epic sunsets over fluffy cloud inversions. After 3 months backpacking Mexico, San Jose del Pacifico clocks in as one of my favourite spots in Mexico – it is definitely “worth the hype” and deserves a spot on your Oaxaca itinerary.

As you read this post, please consider clicking the links throughout. These are affiliate links which means when you book a hotel or purchase a product, I make a small commission at no additional cost to you (full disclosure). These commissions fund The Holistic Backpacker and help me write more blog posts.

Thank you for supporting my work!

~ Taylor ♡

Downloadable Mexico Google Map

Get all my Mexico travel recommendations saved directly to your phone – a digital guide available at your fingertips!

My Mexico map has recommendations for:

• Places: beach towns, mountain villages, backpacker hotspots, and magic towns
• Outdoors: beaches, hikes, waterfalls, hot springs, volcanos
• Restaurants: street food, healthy options, local favourites, international eats
• Experiences: holy sites, excursions, holistic experiences/retreats, turtle releases, photo-ops
• Planning: bus stops, lodging, public washrooms, tedious details (like laundromats/grocery stores)

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How to get to San Jose del Pacifico

San Jose del Pacifico is located at elevation in the heart of the Oaxaca mountains. As such you’ll be required to drive steep, windy mountain roads to get there – travellers often experience motion sickness so plan accordingly. The drivers move quickly – it’s not a smooth ride!

The bus (or “shared van”) company that brings travellers to San Jose del Pacifico is called Lineas Unidas – the bus station in San Jose del Pacifico is located here.

You can easily get to/from San Jose del Pacifico DIRECTLY from the following destinations: Zipolite (250mxn, approx. 4hrs), Oaxaca City (180mxn, approx. 3.5hrs), Puerto Angel (230mxn, approx. 3.5hrs), and Pochutla (190mxn, approx. 3-3.5hrs). I’ve marked each destination with the Lineas Unidas stations. Simply pay upon arrival (in cash) or book in-person the day before you go.

Important thing to know for planing your San Jose del Pacifico itinerary: the routes to/from Pochutla and Oaxaca City run frequently – usually starting at 7:00am until 3:30am. From smaller destinations like Zipolite and Puerto Angel the routes only run a couple times per day; typically once in the morning and once in the evening. I recommend checking in with Lineas Unidas directly for updated timetables prior to travelling.

If you’re going to San Jose del Pacifico from destinations outside those listed above (like Mazunte or Puerto Escondido) you’ll have to make your way to Zipolite, Pochutla, or Oaxaca first prior to taking the direct shared van.

How to Get Around San Jose del Pacifico: Local Transportation

Once you arrive in San Jose del Pacifico you can make use of the local taxis, tuk tuks, or simply walk. The local roads are quite steep, however the town is small and completely walkable.

I recommend taking the tuk tuks when you first arrive as walking the roads with luggage can be cumbersome. The tuk tuks in San Jose del Pacifico only charge 15-20 pesos to get you around town so it’s a super affordable option.

If you’re venturing further (like to San Mateo or Itoo Cafe) the taxis are your best bet. They charge more than the tuk tuks, however they’re not outrageous. It costs 100mxn to get from San Mateo-San Jose del Pacifico and 60mxn to get from Itoo Cafe back to town.

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Tips for Visiting San Jose del Pacifico

There are a few things travellers ought to know prior to planning their San Jose del Pacifico itinerary. The following are the most important things I can think of, however I’ve listed some frequently asked questions at the bottom of this post.

• There are no ATMs in San Jose del Pacifico and very few establishments that accept card payments. BRING ENOUGH CASH to San Jose del Pacifico for lodging, food, activities, transportation + “emergency funds.”
  • If you run out of cash I know Cabanas la Cumbre will dispense cash at a 15% mark up which is nuts, but desperate times call for desperate measures.
• The town of San Jose del Pacifico sits at an altitude of 2,440m. Staying hydrated and eating properly will help you adjust.
• That being said it’s cold here at night (and sometimes during the day), even during the hot season. Pack warm layers.
• The roads in town are fairly steep. The tuk tuks in town typically only charge 15-20 pesos and are a great way to get around. if you’re going further than the townsite taxis are readily available, however they’re obviously more expensive.
• Try to see sunset/cloud inversions in San Jose del Pacifico every night. Oftentimes the clouds engulf the town which means if you only leave 1 night to see a pretty sunset, you may miss it.
• I personally found visiting San Jose del Pacifico with a friend was more enjoyable than if I were visiting solo, however travelling here alone is totally doable.
• “Hongo” is the word for magic mushrooms here. If your trip solely revolves around mushrooms, the peak season is July-October.
• English is not widely spoken here. Knowing Spanish is very helpful.
• Cell service is spotty at best and wifi is limited.
• The road to San Jose is windy and mountainous – a lot of travellers experience motion sickness on the way. Prepare accordingly.
• The locals in San Jose del Pacifico were surprisingly unfriendly for the most part. Don’t expect “service with a smile” – go to San Mateo for that instead!

Where to Stay in San Jose del Pacifico

San Jose del Pacifico is one of those places you need to just show up and book – not much is listed online. Often travellers will grab lunch on arrival and leave their bags at a restaurant while wandering around. Other times they’ll use the tuk tuks to avoid searching the steep local roads with heavy bags.

There’s usually always somewhere to stay in San Jose del Pacifico even if you wait until you arrive to book. The exception to this would be if you’re visiting during high season (July to October) and there’s some kind of local mushroom festival going on.

I personally stayed at Cabanas La Cumbre which I quite liked. The private cabanas are small wooden rooms with shared bathrooms and cold showers. But what got me were the mountain views right out my doorstep. It was also nice having the restaurant upstairs where I could grab food, water, or odds-and-ends rather than need to wander into town.

If you’re a person that enjoys having something booked and planned in advance, there are a few places you can book ahead of time online.

Best Place to Stay in San Jose del Pacifico

• Cabañas Rancho Viejo is the crème de la crème when it comes to where to stay in San Jose del Pacifico – an all around traveller’s favourite. The property has beautiful rustic wooden cabins (both dorms and private options), hot tubs, activities like guided hikes and Temazcal, free bikes, and epic mountain views. There’s also a restaurant, bar, shared garden and terrace space, full kitchen, free Wi-Fi, and parking.

Hostels in San Jose del Pacifico

• Many accommodations offer dorm rooms, however you can book Hostal mandala Evelyn online in advance to secure a spot. This is the classic backpacker hostel option in San Jose del Pacifico with basic facilities and cheap prices to match.

Wooden Cabins in San Jose del Pacifico

If private cabins are tugging at your heart strings, these are the best places to stay in San Jose del Pacifico.

• Rancho Samadhi (private A-frame with full kitchen) and Alto de la Sierra by Rotamundos both offer stunning cabin getaways – some of the nicest in the area. A bit out of the townsite they’re accessible via taxi in a quiet, forested location. These options are ideal for those looking for a quiet getaway in nature.
• Cabañas Camino al Cielo is a good choice for those seeking more privacy, featuring a one-bedroom layout with a TV, private bathroom, fireplace, balcony, and garden. The space also includes hot water and access to an outdoor kitchen.
• Cabaña en el Bosque is a great option for groups as it sleeps 6. There’s a private bathroom, log burner, balcony, and stunning forest views. Transport is available from the town by tuk-tuk, however the owners may be willing to organize transportion for you.

Other Places to Stay in San Jose del Pacifico

• Cabaña La Vía Láctea has good reviews, privacy, a kitchen, and a fireplace.
• Cabaña con Bañera y Chimeneas en Puesta de Sol – this 1 bedroom has a full kitchen, patio, garden, mountain views, WiFi, and a bathtub.

Looking for more recommendations for where to stay in San Jose del Pacifico? I have other cabanas and dorms listed in my downloadable Mexico map.

How Much Does it Cost to Stay in San Jose del Pacifico?

Both dorms and private cabanas are available to book in San Jose del Pacifico. I found dorm beds typically cost around 200mxn per night whereas private cabanas cost (on average) anywhere from 250mxn-350mxn per night. In saying this I did visit during shoulder season and there are much fancier places you can lodge at which will jack up the price.

I stayed in a private cabana in San Jose del Pacifico for 3 nights at 300mxn/night. The first night I was solo, the next two nights I was joined by a friend which brought my grand total to 600mxn or around $31 USD. I think that’s pretty cheap for a private cabana with a balcony view overlooking the mountains!

Best Time to Visit San Jose del Pacifico

Most often it’s recommended to visit Mexico during the dry season, however San Jose del Pacifico is best visited during “mushroom season” which runs from July to October. This is when you’ll find fresh mushrooms and plenty of mushroom ceremonies and festivals going on.

The dry season (November to March) is also a great time to visit though for the dry weather and favourable temperatures. The best time to visit San Jose del Pacifico all depends on what you’re hoping to get out of the destination.

Things to do in San Jose del Pacifico

These are the best things to do in San Jose del Pacifico and the activities I recommend adding to your San Jose del Pacifico itinerary.

ps – I have all these things to do in San Jose del Pacifico pinned on my downloadable Mexico map with personal photos and tips to make planning on-the-go easy

Downloadable Mexico Google Map

Get all my Mexico travel recommendations saved directly to your phone – a digital guide available at your fingertips!

My Mexico map has recommendations for:

• Places: beach towns, mountain villages, backpacker hotspots, and magic towns
• Outdoors: beaches, hikes, waterfalls, hot springs, volcanos
• Restaurants: street food, healthy options, local favourites, international eats
• Experiences: holy sites, excursions, holistic experiences/retreats, turtle releases, photo-ops
• Planning: bus stops, lodging, public washrooms, tedious details (like laundromats/grocery stores)

DOWNLOAD MY MEXICO MAP

Take Mushrooms

San Jose del Pacifico is a mushroom town and I’d say at least 75% of the travellers that come here solely come for the mushrooms. You can literally buy them anywhere – cabanas, local shops, cafes, and restaurants. Selling, buying, and taking mushrooms is no secret here so you’ll find mushroom sales points signposted around town, items on menus, and the locals constantly talk about/offer them.

I’ve heard Rubi’s is a popular spot to buy mushrooms in San Jose del Pacifico however my cabana and a little shop out front had them so I opted to shop there.

Do a Ceremony (Temazcal, Cacao, Mushroom)

As with any conscious community in Mexico, traditional Temazcal and cacao ceremonies are offered by locals. There are signposts all over town with WhatsApp numbers for locals offering these services. Your cabana provider may also be able to provide recommendations.

I spoke to a German expat living in San Mateo who alluded to the fact that the mushrooms ceremonies are a bit “scammy,” and that it’s better to do them on your own time and with your own friends. If you do want a proper mushroom ceremony run by a local it’s recommended you visit during the “mushroom season” (July to October) as this is when fresh mushrooms are harvested and there are more frequent ceremonies being operated.

Go Hiking

Being a mountain town I assumed there’d be more hiking trails in San Jose del Pacifico. Surprisingly there’s only a couple I could find – maybe there are more but they’re kept as “locals secrets?”

Anyways, adding one of the below hikes to your San Jose del Pacifico itinerary is a must. If you only do one I recommend hiking to San Mateo.

• Hike to San Mateo: Apparently there’s multiple ways to do this trek, but I could only find the dirt road option. It’s around a 9km trip one-way with minimal elevation gain if you start in San Jose del Pacifico opposed to starting in San Mateo. It takes around 2hrs-3hrs to reach San Mateo and you can taxi back for 100mxn per person. The last stretch to San Mateo is along a paved road (boring) so I flagged down a tuk tuk and taxi’d into town for 15mxn.
• Hike up to the Mirador: this is a quick, entry-level hike to a nice viewpoint and the white “Hollywood” letters of San Jose Del Pacifico. The hike starts at the Mirador Café Galería Los Altos del Golán, but unfortunately the entry fee has shot up to 150mxn (originally 30mxn) so I opted to skip it.
• Forest walk near La Cumbre: my friend did this San Jose del Pacifico hike and reported there were no views, but it was a nice forest walk. When going to La Cumbre continue along the dirt path at the top of the stairs. The hike is short but steep.

ps – I have exact trailheads and route info pinned on my downloadable Mexico map with personal photos and tips to make planning on-the-go easy.

Visit San Mateo Rio Hondo

I have a whole section regarding visiting the nearby town of San Mateo Rio Hondo below as I think visiting is one of the best things to do in San Jose del Pacifico.

Additionally almost an entire day of my San Jose del Pacifico itinerary is dedicated to visiting San Mateo because I think it’s so worth the hype!

Hit the Local Shops & Wander “Downtown”

San Jose del Pacifico is a small, walkable town with plenty of artisan products like pottery, textiles, and the cutest knitted items. The town doesn’t see too much tourism (especially due to the new highway) so if you have the means it’s a great idea to support local and grab a few souvenirs. I’m never a shopper when travelling, however Oaxaca has incredible local products and even I grabbed a handful of “souvenirs” during my time here!

These are my favourite local shops in San Jose del Pacifico:

• Souvenirs y recuerdos: this is the largest shop on the main road which is loaded with cute knitted items. I picked up tiny knitted mushrooms for 10mxn which were the perfect souvenir for myself + friends/family. There are tons of small shops like this along the main road.
• Smoke Shop Pacifico 4:20: all kinds of smoke accessories as well as adorable mushroom themed household items.
• Organic shop: there was a sweet little organic shop along the main road, but I can’t seem to find it on Google Maps. I picked up some beautiful mushroom themed mugs here, but they also had local honey, gems, stickers, teas, cacao, and a wide collection of pottery at great prices.
• La Morenita: upstairs from the restaurant there’s a little shop full of pottery, clothing, organic skincare, and local products like mezcal and honey. It’s a bit pricy, but has more of a boutique vibe.

ps – all these spots are marked on my downloadable Mexico map with descriptions to make planning on-the-go easy.

Do a Zipline, Giant Swing, or Suspension Bridge

One of the best things to do in San Jose del Pacifico is partaking in one of the local ziplines, swings, or suspension bridges. My favourite was the illuminated suspension bridge at Itoo Cafe (at sunset specifically), however the following are all available to do as well:

• Giant swings can be found at: Columpio El Vuelo Del Duendecito, cafe Itoo, and El Bosque Encantado.
• Illuminated suspension bridges (aka Puente Colgante) can be found at: Itoo Cafe and El Bosque Encantado.
• There’s a zipline at: Itoo Cafe.
• Puente Colgante Mi Ranchito is located just outside the main townsite however they’ve got a kind of high ropes course as well as an illuminated suspension bridge.

ps – all these spots are marked on my downloadable Mexico map with personal photos and descriptions to make planning on-the-go easy.

Watch Sunset from the Local Viewpoints

San Jose del Pacifico is known for its cloud inversions which occur around sunset. So obviously one of the best things to do in San Jose Del Pacifico is watch it from a gorgeous viewpoint. There are a few key viewpoints where sunset is best observed:

• La Cumbre: diner and patio overlooking the mountains/valley.
• Itoo: cafe with a zipline, swing, and illuminated boardwalk (my personal favourite).
• The Mirador: accessed from the Mirador cafe. This spot now costs 150mxn to visit, however you’ll have a nice view and various photo-ops (including the famous “Hollywood” letters).
• El Bosque Encantado: this spot marks the colourful San Jose letters in town. There’s also a large swing and an illuminated boardwalk here.

Sometimes the clouds are high and engulf the town. This is cool because you’ll literally be in a cloud, however it can make chasing sunset views more difficult as you won’t be able to see anything through the clouds. I recommend going somewhere for sunset each night you’re there to maximize your chance at seeing a beautiful sunset.

ps – all these viewpoints are marked on my downloadable Mexico map with personal photos and descriptions to make planning on-the-go easy.

Stargaze

San Jose del Pacifico is a fairly remote location which means the night sky is as dark as ever. If the clouds aren’t blocking the sky you can clearly see the stars.

Stargazing from any of the viewpoints I mentioned above are great options, however you can also see them from anywhere in town so there’s not necessarily a need to go anywhere for this.

Enjoy Hot Chocolate with a View

Cacao agua/leche is a classic beverage in Oaxaca and can be found on many menus – it’s one of my favourite things to do/drink in San Jose del Pacifico. Cafetería Punto Sur and La Cumbre both have it on their menus along with beautiful balconies you can look out over the mountains from while you sip.

I wasn’t able to find cacao water without added sugar in San Jose del Pacifico however I did find an epic cafe in San Mateo that I talk about below.

Where to Eat in San Jose del Pacifico

There are surprisingly quite a few options for where to eat in San Jose del Pacifico despite it being a small, fairly remote mountain town. I’ve listed all the best places to eat in San Jose del Pacifico that are within walking distance to the townsite.

Best cafes in San Jose del Pacifico

My favourite cafes in San Jose del Pacifico are Cafetería Punto Sur and La Cumbre. Cafetería Punto Sur has a wide variety of drinks as well as some Mexican and American food options. La Cumbre offers cheap and tasty dining options but with a fairly limited Mexican-based menu. I also found the service to be absolutely horrid here, but if you’re hoping to save a few $ this is a great spot. Both cafes have beautiful patios overlooking the mountains.

La Canasta is said to have the best coffee in San Jose del Pacifico, but I unfortunately didn’t have a chance to try this spot while I was there. You’ll have to be the judge of that.

Cafe Express is located along the main road and has some of the best wifi in San Jose del Pacifico (pay per use). It has more of an American feel, but they’ve got some tasty pastries and delicious beverages.

Traditional Mexican Food in San Jose del Pacifico

Traditional food can be found practically everywhere here – San Jose del Pacifico is in Mexico, after all! A few top contenders for the best Mexican dishes are La Morenita, Rayito de Sol, and La Montaña.

Best Burgers/American Food in San Jose del Pacifico

If you’re an American abroad looking for the “comforts of home” you can find burgers, fries, wings, and other North American classics at Don Joaquin (didn’t love this spot) and Snack’s and Grill El Buen Sazon.

Healthy & Vegan Restaurants in San Jose del Pacifico

La Casa del Árbol serves up traditional Mexican food with a healthier spin. I actually admired their menu as most Mexican restaurants serve their tacos, tostadas, etc the exact same way. They also have a nice outdoor seating area in a garden setting.

Regrettably I don’t remember the name and it doesn’t exist on Google Maps, but there is a vegetarian cafe in San Jose del Pacifico right next to the 4:20 Smoke Shop. They’ve got all kinds of veggie dishes including options like falafel.

Fine Dining in San Jose del Pacifico

Tatsu is an Asian restaurant with delicious food and high prices to match. La Taberna De Los Duendes on the other hand is Italian with even higher prices, but delicious food, wine, mezcal, and a lovely environment to enjoy it in.

Best Mezcal Tasting in San Jose del Pacifico

And don’t forget about the Mezcal – it is a Oaxaca specialty! Essentially all restaurants in San Jose del Pacifico serve up Mezcal however La Taberna De Los Duendes has an extensive list of offerings with some fun flavours and infusions.

ps – all these restaurants are marked on my downloadable Mexico map with descriptions to make finding food on-the-go easy

Local Tiendas & Self Cooking

There are multiple small tiendas (grocery stores) in San Jose Del Pacifico where you can buy fruit, nuts and seeds, snacks, and odds-and-ends. Most of the tiendas are located along the main road however there’s a few smaller ones on the outskirts of town. Mini Super ahí de Juana is the largest grocery store in San Jose del Pacifico, but there are a few better fruit stands up the road for produce.

If you’re interested in cooking your own food opposed to eating out, Cabañas Rancho Viejo offers the only shared kitchen in San Jose del Pacifico that I know of. If you’re willing to pay a bit more for private accommodations, there are plenty of cabins in San Jose del Pacifico that have kitchens – I listed these options above.

What to do in San Mateo Rio Hondo

I absolutely ADORED San Mateo Río Hondo. I found it had a friendlier vibe than San Jose del Pacifico and the land itself seemed to have nicer energy too. The town is pretty quiet and there isn’t too much to do, however you can hike here from San Jose del Pacifico, tour around the town, and grab a tasty cacao beverage from one of the cafes.

How to get to San Mateo Río Hondo

The best way to get to San Mateo Río Hondo is to hike from San Jose del Pacifico. Oftentimes travellers will visit for the day, then return to San Jose for lodging purposes (what I did). I linked more information about the San Mateo-San Jose hike above as well as pinned trailheads and hiking stats on my downloadable Mexico map.

Alternatively you can take a taxi between the two towns.

Taxi Cost Between San Mateo-San Jose del Pacifico

The taxi/tuk tuks between San Jose del Pacifico and San Mateo Río Hondo costs 100mxn per person each way. I recommend hiking one way, then taking the taxi back.

Things to do in San Mateo Río Hondo

• Grab a cacao beverage. Café del Rancho has a sugar-free, dairy-free option and comes with loads of honey for only 30mxn. There’s also an epic balcony view overlooking the town. I spent 3hrs here admiring the view and enjoying multiple cacaos!
• I found a pool table in town which I’ve marked on my Mexico map
• Tour around the main square photographing the artwork and honeycomb sculpture (which is actually the chemical compound for magic mushrooms)
• Shop the local mushroom scene

When is the Mushroom Festival in San Mateo Río Hondo?

In early August San Mateo Rio Hondo hosts the Festival de Hondo (Mushroom Festival) which is the best time to visit if you’re hoping to experience magic mushrooms at their peak. The town is jam packed and there are tons of opportunities to experience food, music, art, and of course – mushrooms!

Where to Eat in San Mateo Río Hondo

My favourite places to eat in San Mateo Río Hondo are:

• Café del Rancho for cacao beverages, healthier Mexican classics, and epic patio views.
• El Aguacate for healthy vegan dishes. This spot was closed when I visited but I peeked in and it seemed to have an immaculate vibe.
• Pleyadiana Kombucha a little shop which is said to have the best kombucha in Mexico (I didn’t go but you can be the judge of that statement)!
• La Casa De La Abuela is said to have some easy pizza, however I didn’t try this out myself.
• Casa Chuparrosas has an on-site restaurant with fancier looking dishes.
• The main square has a bunch of small Mexican restaurants if you want something cheap and quick.

Where to Stay in San Mateo Río Hondo

Like in San Jose del Pacifico many lodging options for San Mateo Rio Hondo are not listed online. You’ll have to show up and wander, however when I was in San Mateo Rio Hondo I saw plenty of cabanas that clock in at around the same or even cheaper price points than those in San Jose del Pacifico.

If you’d prefer to have something booked in advance, you can opt to stay at the following places in San Mateo Rio Hondo.

The best place to stay in San Mateo Rio Hondo | Casa Chuparrosas if you have a few extra $ to spend. This spot oozes wooden, rustic mountain charm and has all kinds of facilities like on-site dining (delicious looking food), mountain views, linens, and a terrace. The rooms are equipped with a double and queen bed meaning you can travel with up to 4 people.

Budget stays in San Mateo Rio Hondo | include Cabaña sheymar (shared kitchen) and Cabañas el paisano. Both have incredible balconies with mountain views.

Cabin-getaway in San Mateo Rio Hondo | Cabaña privada en el bosque is a cozy A-frame cabin with a kitchen and Starlink. It’s the coziest place to stay in San Mateo Rio Hondo.

Basic places to stay in San Mateo Rio Hondo | Hospedaje el rinconcito (privates) and Ecocabañas luna y sol (shared/privates) are a few other options you can book online ahead of time.

San Jose del Pacifico Itinerary

This San Jose del Pacifico itinerary is a speed tour of the best things to do and can’t miss activities. If you’d like some downtime to just relax and be in the mountains (which I highly recommend) add an extra night (or multiple) to the itinerary.

ps – I formatted this San Jose del Pacifico itinerary to maximize your time + save money on the taxis whilst navigating the surrounding area.

Day 1

• Make your way to San Jose del Pacifico. I recommend taking the earliest bus to maximize your time. You should theoretically arrive by early afternoon from wherever you’re coming from
• Wander the town to find a place to stay. I have all my San Jose lodging recommendations above, however if you want to book something in advance I recommend Cabañas Rancho Viejo (best all-around)
• Grab lunch in town. My favourite spot was La Casa del Árbol, but all the best local dining options are outlined above
• Wander the town, check out the local shops, and grab a souvenir (I loved the 10mxn knitted mushrooms found on the mains street)
• Watch sunset at La Cumbre (you can grab traditional Mexican food here for fairly cheap and the view is amazing) or the mirador
• Bring warm clothes and plan to stay a while so you can watch the stars

Day 2

• Grab breakfast in town
• Hike to San Mateo – this is a great time to indulge in the local delicacy (magic mushrooms)
• Wander the San Mateo townsite and grab the tastiest cacao beverage from Cafe del Rancho. Plan to stay a while as the terrace view is amazing!
• Taxi back toward San Jose Del Pacifico, but stop at Itoo Cafe. This costs around 100mxn per person
• Do the zipline, giant swing, or suspension bridge – wait until around sunset for this as the cloud inversions are amazing. Plus the suspension bridge will be illuminated
• Grab dinner at Itoo
• Taxi back to town. The restaurant reception can call a cab for you – my friend and I paid 60mxn each for a ride back to town

Day 3

• Take part in a ceremony; cacao and temazcal ceremonies can easily be done as a morning activity. If you plan to do a magic mushroom ceremony in San Jose Del Pacifico you’ll need to stay another night
• Spend more time wandering the town, do the quick hike next to La Cumbre through the forest, or hit more of the viewpoints I mentioned above
• Take the afternoon bus out to continue your travels. If you’re headed to other Oaxaca destinations (like Mazunte, Zipolite, Puerto Escondido, etc) I have guides and itineraries here.

I recommend adding an extra night or two to your San Jose Del Pacifico itinerary so you can enjoy the cool, crisp mountain air. However if you only have a couple days to explore the town, this exact itinerary is the most efficient approach to tackle all the best things to do in San Jose Del Pacifico.

Downloadable Mexico Google Map

Get all my Mexico travel recommendations saved directly to your phone – a digital guide available at your fingertips!

My Mexico map has recommendations for:

• Places: beach towns, mountain villages, backpacker hotspots, and magic towns
• Outdoors: beaches, hikes, waterfalls, hot springs, volcanos
• Restaurants: street food, healthy options, local favourites, international eats
• Experiences: holy sites, excursions, holistic experiences/retreats, turtle releases, photo-ops
• Planning: bus stops, lodging, public washrooms, tedious details (like laundromats/grocery stores)

DOWNLOAD MY MEXICO MAP

San Jose Del Pacifico FAQs

Here are the most frequently asked questions travellers have when planning their San Jose Del Pacifico itinerary and when searching for the best things to do in San Jose del Pacifico.

Are mushrooms legal in San Jose Del Pacifico?

Mushrooms are not legal in San Jose del Pacifico however – like everything in Mexico – mushrooms fall into a “grey area.” Due to their cultural significance they’re widely accepted here and law enforcement doesn’t get involved.

Where can I buy mushrooms in San Jose Del Pacifico?

Literally everywhere. Almost every store, restaurant, cabana, etc sells mushrooms in San Jose del Pacifico.

Can I do a mushroom ceremony in San Jose Del Pacifico?

Absolutely, however if you want to do a ceremony it’s best to visit between July-October as this is when the mushrooms are growing and more ceremonies are taking place.

When is the mushroom season in San Jose del Pacifico?

July to October is peak mushroom season in San Jose del Pacifico however they can be purchased year round.

Is San Jose Del Pacifico worth visiting?

Yes! If mushrooms, cloud inversions, cacao beverages, mountains, and hiking appeal to you San Jose del Pacifico is pure magic and deserves a spot on your itinerary.

Can I buy groceries in San Jose Del Pacifico?

Yes, you can buy groceries in San Jose del Pacifico. There are a handful of tiendas, fruit stands, and one decent sized grocery store in town. I have the exact grocery locations marked in my Mexico map.

Are there shared kitchens in San Jose Del Pacifico?

The only shared kitchen in San Jose del Pacifico I know of is at Cabañas Rancho Viejo. If you’re willing to pay a bit more for lodging, above I’ve noted multiple private accommodations in San Jose del Pacifico with kitchens.

Where is the best place to stay in San Jose Del Pacifico?

I have all the best places to stay in San Jose del Pacifico marked above.

Are there hostels in San Jose Del Pacifico?

Yes there are hostels and dorm rooms in San Jose del Pacifico as well as private cabanas.

Are there hikes in San Jose Del Pacifico?

There are hikes in San Jose del Pacifico however not as many as I was expecting considering this is a mountain town.

How long should I go to San Jose Del Pacifico?

I think a minimum of 3 nights is good for San Jose del Pacifico although more is always better. I’ve posted a 3 night San Jose del Pacifico itinerary above with an efficient activity layout.

Is San Jose Del Pacifico okay to visit as a solo traveler?

You can visit San Jose del Pacifico as a solo traveller however personally I think visiting this spot would be more fun with a friend as it’s pretty quiet. Staying in a dorm will definitely help with the social situation.

Is San Jose Del Pacifico safe?

Yes San Jose del Pacifico is safe.

Is it cold in San Jose Del Pacifico?

San Jose del Pacifico can be quite warm during the day but it gets cold at night. Pack warm layers!

Can I withdraw cash in San Jose Del Pacifico?

There are no ATMs in San Jose del Pacifico so it’s best to bring enough cash for lodging, food, transportation, and souvenirs + extra for “emergency cash.”

How do you get around San Jose Del Pacifico? Taxi? Colectivo?

San Jose del Pacifico is a walk able town however there are cheap tuk tuks (15-20 pesos) as well as taxis.

Is San Jose del Pacifico expensive?

I personally think San Jose del Pacifico is quite cheap for a mountain destination. Private cabanas cost around 300mxn per night and you can easily find full, hearty meals for less than 150mxn.

Downloadable Mexico Google Map

Get all my Mexico travel recommendations saved directly to your phone – a digital guide available at your fingertips!

My Mexico map has recommendations for:

• Places: beach towns, mountain villages, backpacker hotspots, and magic towns
• Outdoors: beaches, hikes, waterfalls, hot springs, volcanos
• Restaurants: street food, healthy options, local favourites, international eats
• Experiences: holy sites, excursions, holistic experiences/retreats, turtle releases, photo-ops
• Planning: bus stops, lodging, public washrooms, tedious details (like laundromats/grocery stores)

DOWNLOAD MY MEXICO MAP

Quick Mexico Travel Guide

Travel Insurance: ALWAYS purchase reliable travel insurance before your trip. This insurance is trusted by backpackers and adventure sport enthusiasts around the world. You can also use my link to receive 5% off SafetyWing policies. Here’s a blog post with more trustworthy travel insurance options you can compare.

Best time to visit: December to April has cooler temps and sunny skies. Hurricane season is from June to November.

Currency: Mexican peso, displayed as “$.” Cash is king in Mexico so it’s best to always have some on-hand. Small bills and change are always helpful for transportation and tipping. Most ATMs have service fees so try to withdraw larger amounts at once.

Local transportation: varies from trams and buses in bigger cities to colectivos in smaller beach towns. Local transportation is cheap, but if you’re looking to travel long distances you’ll need to utilize pricier night buses or fly.

Phone: SIM cards can be purchased at Oxxo. Data plans are generally cheap.

Language: Spanish. In popular backpacking spots you can often get by with English, however having basic Spanish or Google Translate is necessary elsewhere.

Safety: Mexico’s safety varies greatly from place-to-place.

Purchase my Mexico map: which is downloadable to Google Maps on your phone and has all my Mexico recommendations & travel tips constantly available at your fingertips.

Packing Guide: here’s my ultimate packing guide/travel essentials.

Happy adventuring!

Taylor ♡

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About the Author

HI, I’m Taylor – the voice behind The Holistic Backpacker.

After moving to Banff National Park in 2020 I became an outdoor adventure enthusiast and vowed to never stop exploring.

I now spend my days travelling the world, climbing mountains, and spending nights under the stars in the Canadian Rockies backcountry.

I created The Holistic Backpacker so I could share my adventures and help connect people like you with the same amazing experiences.

GET TO KNOW ME | WORK WITH ME

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