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San Jose del Pacifico, Oaxaca, Mexico
Magic Mushroom Capital of Mexico
Donโt have time to read the whole article? The best accommodation in San Jose del Pacifico is San Josรฉ del Pacรญfico โ Cabaรฑas Camino al Cielo 5
How to Get There:
Fly to Oaxaca City (OAX). From there, take a colectivo directly to San Josรฉ del Pacรญfico, about 3 hours. If coming via Pochutla, take a colectivo from the bus station, about 1.5 hours.
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Need more trip-planning tips? Check out our resource list below!
Experience
If you are traveling to Oaxaca City, you may hear of a nearby town called San Jose del Pacifico which is known for its ancestral use of Magic Mushrooms (Psilocybe Cubensis). At about 2500m is this tiny village where all there is to do is just relax and enjoy the total peace and serenity, up above the clouds.
Watch the clouds roll in through the valleys in the afternoon and see some of the most beautiful sunsets. On a rare clear day, you can even see the Pacific coast… just barely.
We planned on staying one night on the way through and ended up staying for a week. It’s a hard place to leave. Just kicking back, get a good book or just think about how you could live here forever, without a worry in the world.
San Jose del Pacifico is 3 hours from Oaxaca City and 3.5 hours from the Pacific coast. Be prepared for some super windy roads, and some super crazy driving from the collectivo drivers. They’re nuts!! It’s like being on a rollercoaster ride. Not the ideal trip if you get travel sickness. Taking shared minivans is one of the only ways to get there is in the minivan/shuttle. Very few big buses travel up and over the mountains.
San Jose del Pacifico has just one main street that is roughly 300m long. Here you’ll find a few places to eat, one internet cafe, a tour company for temazcals, and a few craft stores that sell lots of hand-made magic mushroom crafts and clothing. Anything you want to buy with a mushroom on it, they’ll have it. Then from there, a couple of streets off that up the steep hill, that leads to a small pocket of houses and accommodations.
SEE – Photos & Videos
GO – Getting There
How to get to San Jose del Pacifico
At least 3 different companies are driving from Oaxaca to Pochutla. Each costs $150 pesos to San Jose del Pacifico. It’s exactly 3 hours from both Oaxaca and Pochutla, traffic permitting. All the minivans are 14-seat vehicles with aircon. Take a sweater with you upfront, because the aircon will be on and it’s freezing.
If you’re coming from Oaxaca City, ask your hostel/hotel where the colectivos to Pochutla are. They are all in the same area about 5 blocks south of the Zocalo, near Calle Armenta y Lรณpez and Calle Bustamante.
If you’re coming from Pochutla, you can’t miss them. As soon as you get off your bus or camioneta, people will be yelling from the other side of the street to get you on their colectivo to take you to Oaxaca.
Do – Activities & Attractions
Magic Mushrooms in San Jose del Pacifico
If youโre seeking magic mushroomsโknown locally as hongos mรกgicosโyou wonโt need to search far. In fact, some visitors report being offered mushrooms shortly after arriving at their accommodations. While their use is deeply tied to ancestral traditions in the region, itโs important to understand that magic mushrooms remain illegal under Mexican law. The relaxed attitude toward enforcement in San Josรฉ del Pacรญfico likely stems from their cultural significance, but this doesnโt make them any less illegal. If you choose to partake, remember that you are breaking the law, and we neither condone nor encourage this. Our intention is to educate about this traditional practice, which has, to some extent, been opened to tourism. Always approach with respect, caution, and awareness.
Many visitors choose to walk 10โ15 minutes into the forest to take the mushrooms and immerse themselves in nature, as the experience often lasts anywhere between 3โ8 hours. If you decide to partake, itโs crucial to receive clear guidance on proper dosing to avoid overdoing it and overwhelming yourself. Expect to pay around $300โ$400 pesos for a dose of mushrooms. Additionally, be cautious when venturing into the forestโgetting lost too far from town can turn an introspective journey into a stressful situation. Always ensure you know your way back and prioritize safety during the experience.
For those seeking fresh magic mushrooms, the best time to visit is during the rainy season, which runs from June to September. Toward the end of the season, locals often harvest the remaining mushrooms and preserve them in jars of honey to last until the next harvest. If youโre visiting outside the rainy season, youโll still be able to find preserved mushrooms, but be aware that their effects are often reported to be weakerโor in some cases, entirely diminishedโcompared to fresh ones. Keep this in mind when planning your visit and setting expectations.
Temezcals
What’s a Temazcal?? It’s an ancestral sweat lodge, similar to a sauna. They can look like a brick igloo or a concrete box. Depending on the type of temazcal that you’re entering, they can hold anywhere between 2-20 people. They’re used for both physical well-being and natural healing. You can go to ones where you just relax and take your time, or you can get the full experience with a traditional indigenous ceremony.
There are a couple of basic temazcals in town for relaxing, but if you’re looking for the full traditional Mexican experience, ask for Casa de Paco. It’s full of rituals and chanting inside the temazcal and it’s intense. And hot!! Casa De Paco lasts for 1.5 hours. It’s located a 30-minute walk from town into the forest in the middle of nowhere (it’s well-marked with signs though, so it’s easy to find).
You won’t be able to book the Temezcals in San Jose del Pacifico in advance, nor will you need to. A few run every day at 11 am, and some locations will just start them once you arrive, on-demand. The Temezcals cost around $150 pesos per person, though could vary depending on your group size.
To find out more, I wrote about my experience at a temezcal in San Jose.
Where is the swing in San Jose del Pacifico?
San Jose also boasts an epic (and instagrammable) swing with a stunning view! To reach the San Jose del Pacifico swing, you’ll need to embark on a hike lasting approximately one hour towards the southern direction of San Jose del Pacifico. This path coincides with the highway leading to Puerto Escondido. Alternatively, you can choose to hitchhike or hire a Tuk Tuk to transport you there for a fee of 5 USD. Once you arrive, a modest charge of around 3 USD will be required, after which you’ll patiently await the staff to secure you in place.
Disclaimer: Where Sidewalks Ends does not endorse the use of drugs, even when used for spiritual, traditional or ancestral practices. Should you choose to take part, please do so at your own risk, and with trusted people nearby.
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Stay – Accommodation
San Jose del Pacifico is San Josรฉ del Pacรญfico โ Cabaรฑas Camino al Cielo 5
San Josรฉ del Pacรญfico Cabaรฑas Camino al Cielo 5 in El Pacรญfico offers a comfortable and cozy stay with a one-bedroom apartment featuring a terrace and a garden. Guests can relax by the fireplace or enjoy the peaceful surroundings from the balcony with scenic views. The property provides convenient services including a tour desk, family-friendly accommodations, and optional shuttle assistance. Yoga classes are available for those seeking wellness activities. Highly praised for its tranquil setting and attentive host, Cabaรฑas Camino al Cielo 5 is an ideal choice for travelers looking to unwind and experience the natural beauty of San Josรฉ del Pacรญfico.
Check Rates and Availability here!
San Josรฉ del Pacรญfico โ Cabaรฑas Camino al Cielo 3
San Josรฉ del Pacรญfico Cabaรฑas Camino al Cielo 3 offers a cozy one-bedroom apartment with a balcony and terrace overlooking the garden and mountains. Guests can relax in the peaceful surroundings, enjoy the outdoor seating areas, or take part in wellness activities such as yoga classes. The property provides family-friendly accommodations and convenient services, including optional shuttle assistance and a tour desk. Praised for its scenic location, welcoming host, and inviting fireplace, Cabaรฑas Camino al Cielo 3 provides a tranquil retreat for travelers seeking comfort, relaxation, and a connection with the natural beauty of San Josรฉ del Pacรญfico.
Check Rates and Availability here!
Cabaรฑa en el Bosque de San Josรฉ del Pacรญfic
Cabaรฑa en el Bosque de San Josรฉ del Pacรญfico offers a tranquil stay in a chalet with two bedrooms, a terrace, a balcony, and a private entrance overlooking the mountains and gardens. Guests can relax in the peaceful surroundings and enjoy the natural scenery from the patio or garden areas. The property provides convenient services, including private check-in and check-out and housekeeping. Praised for its scenic location and comfortable accommodations, Cabaรฑa en el Bosque offers an ideal retreat for travelers seeking relaxation and a close connection with the natural beauty of San Josรฉ del Pacรญfico.
Check Rates and Availability here!
Cabaรฑa La Vรญa Lรกctea
Cabaรฑa La Vรญa Lรกctea in San Josรฉ del Pacรญfico offers a cozy holiday home with one bedroom, a living room, and a private entrance. Guests can enjoy a balcony and patio with garden, mountain, and city views, as well as a peaceful inner courtyard. The property features a fully equipped kitchen and a warm fireplace, creating a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. Highly praised for its convenient location and attentive host, Cabaรฑa La Vรญa Lรกctea provides an ideal retreat for travelers seeking relaxation and scenic surroundings in the heart of San Josรฉ del Pacรญfico.
Check Rates and Availability here!
Eat – Restaurants
La Taberna De Los Duendes is a must-visit spot in San Josรฉ del Pacรญfico, known for its hearty portions, flavorful dishes, and eclectic atmosphere. This cozy bar and grill, located right off the main highway, offers an impressive menu featuring expertly prepared pasta, tender steaks, and unique house-made mezcal infusions. The trippy, vibrant decor adds to the charm, while the friendly staff and occasional presence of the Italian owner enhance the dining experience with personal recommendations. Whether youโre stopping in for a meal or a drink, this lively venue provides a memorable experience in the heart of the mountains.
Tatsu is a hidden surprise in San Josรฉ del Pacรญfico, offering a delightful mix of Asian-fusion cuisine in the heart of the mountains. Known for its flavorful ramen, yakisoba, and fried rice dishes, Tatsu caters to a variety of tastes with vegan and vegetarian options as well. Guests love the cozy ambiance, creative touches like table coloring, and the soothing atmosphere complemented by good music. With ingredients imported for authenticity and generous portions, the dishes, such as the miso ramen and bittersweet broccoli, consistently exceed expectations. While the restaurant is cash-only, its warm service and high-quality food make it a standout choice for a unique dining experience in the Sierra.
For a delicious and authentic local breakfast or lunch, La Morenita is a standout choice in San Josรฉ del Pacรญfico. This cozy family-run eatery serves traditional Mexican dishes like tlayudas, tacos, and pan dulce, all made with care and love. Visitors rave about the warm, homemade flavors, the rich hot chocolate, and the unbeatable value for money. Conveniently located on the main road, itโs a perfect spot to enjoy a hearty meal in a relaxed setting. With friendly service and a welcoming atmosphere, La Morenita is a must-visit for anyone craving a true taste of Oaxacan home-style cooking.
Time – Seasonality & Schedules
How do I get from Oaxaca City to San Jose del Pacifico?
Throughout the day, buses offer transportation from Oaxaca City to San Josรฉ del Pacifico, Mexico, with an estimated travel time of around 3 hours, including a brief stop in Miahuatlรกn. In Oaxaca City, you can find two bus companies, Lineas Unidas and Eclipse 70, conveniently situated within close proximity, just a block away from each other. For a single journey, Lineas Unidas charges 140 pesos for a ticket.
Safety – Possible risks
While San Josรฉ del Pacรญfico is generally a safe and welcoming destination, visitors should still exercise caution, especially if partaking in the region’s famous magic mushrooms or venturing into remote areas. Stumbling along the highway or acting irresponsibly can put you at risk of accidents or becoming a target for opportunistic theft. The town is quiet and peaceful, but like anywhere, itโs important to remain aware of your surroundings, avoid excessive displays of wealth, and stay in well-lit or populated areas after dark. Always treat the region, its culture, and its traditions with respect, and ensure that your actions do not put you or others in harmโs way.
Please Note: Travel inherently comes with an element of risk (just like crossing the road does). You are putting yourself in elements that are unfamiliar and foreign to your usual lifestyle and with that, become more susceptible to fall victim to those who try to play off those unfamiliar to their local scams. There are also potential dangers in the environments to which you may not be accustomed.
Please take extra care in travelling, ensure that you have adequate medical insurance (accidents seem to happen when you least expect them), and have let a trusted colleague, family member or friend know your whereabouts and activities.
Where Sidewalks End travel advises you to travel at your own risk and to be extra aware of your surroundings (without letting it spoiling your time).
Pay – How much does it cost?
San Josรฉ del Pacรญfico is a budget-friendly destination compared to larger tourist hubs like Oaxaca City, Puerto Escondido, or Huatulco. However, its remote location means many goodsโespecially non-local items like Asian or Italian food ingredients, factory-made clothing, or specialty suppliesโneed to be transported in. This adds to the cost of providing services, and paying fair prices ensures locals can maintain their livelihoods and continue offering these experiences.
The cost of your visit will vary depending on your choices:
- Budget-Friendly Options: For those on a tighter budget, staying in a hostel or more rustic accommodations and eating traditional, locally sourced meals will keep costs low. Meals at local comedores (simple eateries) often range from $100โ200 pesos ($5โ$10 USD), and hostel stays can start at just $150 pesos ($8 USD) per night.
- Mid-Range or Higher-End Options: If you prefer more comfort and variety, you can opt for a private cabin or boutique lodging paired with meals at international or upscale restaurants. Prices for private accommodations range from $500โ$3000 pesos ($25โ$150 USD) per night, depending on the amenities and views. Meals featuring imported ingredients or gourmet preparation can range from $200โ$500 pesos ($10โ$25 USD) per person.
- Local Experiences Add Value: Supporting the local economy by paying fair prices is more than a monetary exchangeโitโs an investment in the community. When you pay for locally sourced meals, handcrafted goods, or accommodations run by locals, youโre helping sustain businesses that rely on tourism, especially in a region where traffic has decreased due to the highway bypass.
While San Josรฉ del Pacรญfico offers a more affordable experience than many other destinations in Oaxaca, remember that the quality of your visit is deeply tied to the support you give to the people and businesses here. Paying fairly ensures that future travelers can enjoy this magical destination while helping the community thrive.
Responsible Travel – Best Practices
San Josรฉ del Pacรญfico is a treasure trove of natural beauty, offering serene landscapes, lush forests, and crisp mountain air. As a visitor, it’s essential to minimize your impact and contribute positively to the local community. Here are a few ways you can practice responsible tourism in this remarkable area:
- Respect Nature: Use reusable water bottles to reduce plastic waste and ensure you leave no trash behind. This helps preserve the pristine environment for future visitors and the wildlife that calls this place home. Stick to designated trails and avoid damaging the flora and fauna.
- Support the Local Economy: Tourism has significantly declined since the construction of the new highway bypassing the town, leaving many businesses struggling to stay afloat. Supporting local restaurants, shops, and accommodations not only sustains the community but also enhances your experience by connecting you with authentic local flavors and traditions.
- Pay Fair Prices: Understand that the region is remote, and many goods need to be transported in to meet your needs and comforts. The prices asked by locals reflect these realities. Paying fairly helps ensure they can continue to provide services and maintain their livelihoods.
- Engage Respectfully: Take time to learn about the culture and traditions of the region. If youโre purchasing local crafts or food, engage with the artisans or vendors to understand their storiesโit enriches your experience and fosters meaningful connections.
By being mindful of your impact and intentional in your choices, you contribute to preserving the magic of San Josรฉ del Pacรญfico while supporting the people who call it home.
Reality Check – Be Aware
San Josรฉ del Pacรญfico is renowned for its breathtaking views, peaceful ambiance, and its reputation for magic mushrooms. While the mushrooms hold deep ancestral and spiritual significance in the region, visitors need to understand the realities surrounding their use.
Firstly, though magic mushrooms are not legal in Mexico, they are somewhat tolerated in this area due to their cultural roots. However, this does not mean they are free of legal risk or consequences. Visitors should be mindful of the laws they are breaking and the cultural context in which they are engaging.
For those considering partaking, itโs crucial to approach the experience with respect and awareness. The mushrooms are viewed as sacred by the local people, not as a recreational substance for casual fun. If you choose to partake, ensure itโs in a safe, controlled environment, such as under the guidance of a knowledgeable local, and not out in public.
Stumbling along the highway or acting irresponsibly not only disrespects the local culture but also puts you in harm’s way. This behavior can lead to accidents, theft, or worse. While San Josรฉ del Pacรญfico is generally safe, taking unnecessary risks increases your chances of encountering bad actors.
The magic of this region lies not only in its traditions but in its ability to offer peace and introspection. Treat the place and its customs with the reverence they deserve, and youโll leave with a truly enriching experience.
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San Josรฉ del Pacifico Travel Resources
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Have you been to San Jose del Pacifico?? Did you experience the ancestral magic mushrooms? Feel free to leave a comment and let me know how it was.
Dear Ian,
Cabanas Rancho Viejo looks amazing. They also seem to have their ceremonies. This was really helpful. Very much appreciated.
Warmest, Ayse
Hello,
I am planning to be in Mexico between July 7-14 – next week? Is this a good time to plan a visit to San Jose Del Pacifico? I would be on my own. It would be great if you could help me out with the below questions:
1. Is it OK to visit town and experience mushrooms on your own as a female visitor?
2. where is the best place to stay?
3. I have experience with mushrooms as in psychedelic assisted therapy with a guide. What is the best way to find a trusted guide?
Thank you very much for your guidance.
Hi Ayse,
Thanks for your message! July is a wonderful time to visit SJP. It is always a little cooler and rainier than Oaxaca City – so bring appropriate clothes. Being rainy season – mushrooms and other vegetation are currently in bloom/growing.
1) use your best sense, as with visiting anywhere. Stay somewhere safe, and let people know where you are.
2) a couple of places are listed above under accommodation – though I also like Cabaรฑas Rancho Viejo – a new set of cabins built a few years ago… a little out of town (20 mins walk), private, safe, beautiful setting. They’re a little pricier, but you get a fully private cabin with a fireplace. there’s a temescal next door as well. I think you can book on Booking.com but also can call direct for reservations (just search their name + San Jose del Pacifico, and you’ll find their contact info). Or if you prefer safety in numbers, staying in the hostel mentioned above, Hostel La Cumbre, is one of the most common and budget-friendly backpackers accommodations.
3) Unfortunately I don’t have a contact there but have heard of others finding ceremonies happening. Best to ask around when you get there. :)
Have a great trip, and be safe!
“the quiet main street” LOL
Exente lugar cabaรฑas el mangote
La numero 1 es exente $900 pesos
La noche
Los hongos fuera de temporada
Me costaron $700 por 2 hongos
Que me relajaron me dieron
Mucha paz ,
Mire elefantes color de rosa
Jajaja, no me pasรณ nada
Les recomiendo 100%
Todo Oaxaca es hermosa
I was wondering about the availability of hongos outside of San Jose del Pacifico, specifically in Playa Zipolite. Do you have any info on that?
I’m thinking of flying to Oaxaca from California next month. Then I’m planning to go to San Jose del Pacรญfico for a few days to try the mushrooms if possible. Does anybody know what’s the situation there in regards to the corona virus and if you need to wear a mask? Also are hotels and restaurants open at this time? And how easy is to find mushrooms in October there? I’ll appreciate any information you can provide. Thanks much.
Wow! the place looks so good. It is the perfect place where you can relax and enjoy the fresh air together with the undying beauty of nature. I can definitely do sightseeing where you can see the mountains, clouds and a lot of trees.
Does anyone know if or where I can get mushrooms in Oaxaca city?
I’m looking for mushrooms
I visited San Jose del Pacifico in1972. The one lane dirt road didnโt matter. The view – looking down at the clouds through the jungle was worth the trip. We met a bruja. Lunch was fantastic. It was not the season for mushrooms, sadly, but the remote and gorgeous scenery inspired me to return and make the drive to Puerto Angel, all night, through jungle, with 5 in my Mustang. Now there is fine highway all the way from Oaxaca city to the Pacific. In1972 the only hotel had 3 rooms. Now hotels line the shore through several villages and area mentioned in Vogue. So glad I saw all of this before the fame set in.
Thank you for sharing! I will take note of this and hope to visit theses places one day. It is really amazing to find these kinds of stuff in other places. It goes to show that a lot of people are already into mushrooms and know the benefits of consuming it.
Hello I was in Huautla de Jimenez, Oaxaca,and got to participate in Mushroom ceremonies with a Mazatec grandmother ( same as Maria Sabina) I was there in January and since it wasn’t time for fresh mushrooms I was given mushrooms preserved in honey, I took maybe 4 or 5 small and the effect was strong, powerful and I had amazing experiences. as powerful as when I take fresh mushrooms. I wanted to be in that area where Maria Sabia used to live and I wanted to experience the way the grandmothers facilitate “ninos santos / mushrooms” ceremony, since where I live we have no problem to get mushrooms any time and take them in ceremonial way, in a small circle of friends. We always respect this teacher/master fungi, we got much insights,wisdom and much more from them, we take them always in a sacred circle, with previous and after food diet ( no red meats, no pork, no alcohol, no other drugs, no dairy, no fermented foods …..just for 3 days before and after). We respect and we are respected, loved and showed in return. The Mushrooms asked to take them with respect, we do it and we do not have bad trips.
Hola chicos,
I visited San Jose del Pacifico in early January of 2019. Couldn’t find any mushrooms although I spent a couple of hours trying. Moreover, several legit locals told me that the mushrooms preserved in honey, even if found, were not worth trying as they most probably lost a lot (if not all) of potency since they were picked up. I assume these honey mushrooms are easily available right after the rainy season (early Fall), but as it turns out not in January, and the rest of the winter and spring, therefore.
Other than that, the place was indeed beautiful, and while the nights and early mornings were cold (close to zero I would say), it wasn’t too much of an issue.
Hi Johnny,
very nice story!
I will be headed there this November, do you maybe know what weather should I expect? I’m from Europe, so I’m used to mountains and cold, but still, should I get prepared for winter or late autumn :D
I read in the comments you will be headed there again, would be cool if it’s in late November (20-30th) ;)
Cheers,
much love
Mite
Hi Johnny,
Thanks for sharing your adventures! I am currently in SJdP (yes, on sacrilegious wifi) and hongos seem to be harder to find than what I’ve read. Any advice?
How ya going Rye?
Try in the fruit and veg shop, just before you start walking up the hill from the bus stop. Or ask in the Hostel cumbre.
Either of them should be able to sort you out. Or either point you in the right direction ๐
Happy travels
How much money does it cost to trip on mushrooms?
Hi John. They’re around 200-250 pesos per trip.
Hi Johnny,
I plan on being in SJ del Pacifico for only 2 short days. Is there a company or someone I can speak to in regards to doing a temazcal tour before arriving?
Thank you!
Hi Johan. There’s a few different Temazcals up there. So you won’t have any troubles finding one to do when you arrive. Some run them daily, and others run them whenever somebody arrives and asks in the moment.
Thank you Johnny for the wonderful blog!!
Thanks Henry!!
Dear Luz,
I ready our comment and liked it very much!!! I have hardly any experience with sacred plants – it is probably more correct to say that I have none. I have been teaching yoga for more than twenty years and living, so to speak, a spiritual way of life. I would like to have some of the experiences you mentioned. I am in Mexico City now. Do you know if it is possible to have an experience with sacred plants somewhere closer to Mexico City than San Jose? Thank you for you help. Peace and Light.
Henry
First line should read: I read your comment and liked it…. (typing mistake)
Hi everybody, is there (or in some other place in Mexico) a place where people take it as part of their tradition, in a ceremonial way?
Does anyone know if Casa Catalina is still open and running?
How’s it going Jenifer. I’ve heard recently that it’s been bought and now it’s just a house, not a hostel. If so, such a shame because that place was awesome.
I live in Oaxaca City, so i’ll be heading back there soon and check it out.
Hi! Iโm currently healing from an abusive relationship that gave me ptsd and I want to visit San Juan del Pacifico either June or July to have a spiritual/healing experience with the hongitos. I have relatives in Mexico city but will probably have to do this leg of my journey by myself. Iโm a single woman so just wondering if Iโll be safe or if I need an escort?
Hello Gabriella,
I would say get a friend or a relative to be with you. If is the first time that you are planing to take the mushrooms there are another options that are safer. if you mind is set in mushrooms get them in San Jose del Pacifico, but do not take them there, but wait until you are back at your home, safe and in a ceremonial way with a lot of respect take them and have someone else to be with you ( second person without taking them). as well be mindful of the amount you are taking, if you take so little, no much will happen,if you take a lot it may be very uncomfortable and not pleasant. as well when you are back at home in a safe place, and if is your first time taking a master plant, start taking 1 gram the first time, 2 grams second time ( no necessary to be next day, but when you know you have the time and peace to have the experience if you connect and not be disturbed), then next time 3 grams……in that way you can find the amount that is ok for you. Please know that the mushrooms WILL NOT fix your life, there will be a lot of work from your part to be done, the mushrooms will show you in order for you to do the work. Do not risk going by yourself and taken them by yourself if you have no experience . it is great to take them in a natural surrounding but it should be a safe place where you feel in peace and cared.
Iโm plannig to visit in April.
Do you recommend a place to do the mushrooms with respect.
I would like to have a trip that I can learn from.
Hi Grabiella. I also suffer from mild depression due to life circumstances thrown at me. I am a woman, born in Mexico city but live in the states. I want to heal but know of no one that can sell mushrooms in the states. I am also interested in going there.
Dear Gabriella,
A friend of mine and I, both from New York (I am in Mexico City now and my friend will arrive in a few days) might go to San Jose sometime at the beginning of June. If we will, and you want, you are very welcome to join us. We are both mature – I am a yoga teacher and a writer, and my friend a psychologist. Maybe my girlfriend (Mexican) will join.
Thank you so much for your reply and kind offer, Henry.
I’ve decided to try for next year now as my mom has decided to come and visit me in Australia during the time I was able to go to Mexico. I’ve opted to do a shorter journey a little closer to home this year. I’m seriously looking at Mexico for next year, though.
When are you looking at going? I’m Australian too and was looking at going next year.
How’s it going Andrew? I live in Oaxaca and Head up to San Jose del Pacafico every now and again. Let me know if you’ll around.
Also interested in hearing about what type of weather one might expect…. although I will be going in late Febrary, no January so I suspect the winter weather will resemble something closer to spring at that point…
Hi all, I am heading back to Mexico in January and am planning to head to San Jose for the first time. I know Oaxaca city and spent 4 weeks in Mazunte some years ago, so from this article I have some idea what to expect from San Jose.
Miss E mentions the winters can be extremely harsh at this time of year – what kind of temperatures can I expect? Is it also rainy? I’m British so I can cope with some low temperatures, in fact I’m intrigued to see what Mexico will be like at this time of year – I’ve only ever been in Yucatan in January and of course that’s a whole other world. So I’m OK with it being cold, I just want to be prepared is all.
Also – I don’t do mushrooms or even smoke, how out of place will I be here? I’m coming because I imagine it will be quiet and very spectacular scenery. Will the hostal even be open at that time?
How come you are from the UK and your user name is pinche wero? do you know the meaning? are you ok with that? and once there take the opportunity to take the hongitos,
‘ ninos santos” they can show you a lot, just don’t take a big amount. 2.5 to 3 grams. they heal and show you who you are and much much more. Do not be afraid. they are not for recreation, take them with respect. They are medicine.
Haha yes I know the meaning of “pinche wero” and I don’t mind :) some Mexican friends called me that, but it’s all for fun. We all have our crosses to bear.
How’s it going Pinche Were… haha
Are you in Oaxaca at the moment. Yeah it’s going to be cold up there, but not the rainy season. So being a mommy, you should be right haha
There’s a couple hostels and BnB’s/cabins, so you won’t have any trouble finding a place to stay.
Happy travels and let me know how you go!
Hi all, I just want to ask if someone ever tried using shrooms or truffles for medical purposes? I was reading some articles about this magic truffles and shrooms before engaging my self for the first time. Like this one from:https://www.trufflemagic.com/blog/what-are-shrooms/ .They say that it has a very potent effect on the brain and hallucination. Unlike marijuana does it have any medical use? In one article that I’ve read magic truffles or shrooms compaired to synthetic drugs are very alarming. Also magic mushroom are use on reducing the symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder and anxiety. It can also help people to quit smoking and alcohol addiction. Some studies also suggest the property of magic shrooms/truffles can be useful for cancer patients. I would really want to hear other insights regarding this new possible alternative meds. Thanks
YES! The Mushrooms ( Psilocybin) are part of the master or teacher plants. They are medicine and they will allow you to get into a state of being, where you can receive and be helped with the understanding of yourself, life, the universe and much more and with that, the healing of your body and balancing emotions. They are not a magic pill and at the same time they are. Please make sure you take them with respect and never approach them as recreational, because they are not. They are a tool for you to get it that the one to heal you is yourself and that you have all in you to do it. Mushrooms can show you and help you to do it. It takes time but I have seen huge changes in short periods of time, especially if the person starts to understand who he is and with that start changing his/her life. Do not take too much or they could be uncomfortable, take enough so you can connect and be conscious of all the teachings and to remember the experience. Life is an adventure, may yours be full of well being. By the way, even if they are considered drugs, they are not, and together with Ayahuasca, peyote, San Pedro, Iboga, are teacher/master plants. Take them in ceremonial way with respect and honoring the spirits of the plants.
Luz. I like your comment and knowledge and clear respect for the medicines of nature. I also liked the positive comment on San Josรฉ from Alejandra.
I’m from England and I’m planning on visiting San Josรฉ before mid year. My use of the spanish language is non existent. I’m assuming there have been enough tourists through San Josรฉ over the years for that not to be a problem. ?
I was there – and Puerto Angel in 1972. No paved roads. Slept in my Mustang in the jungle en route to Puerto Angel. Wonderful experiences – maybe the best in life. I drove from Oaxaca City to LosAngeles, alone, speaking no Spanish at all. Not a single problem. Ive known people who were indiscreet in Mazatlan. But no one I ever knew had difficulty of any kind in Oaxaca, certainly not in San Jose del Pacรญfico. It is heavenly. It still is. The beaches are way too famous now but still perfect. I paid 8 pesos a night in Angel, my room had only a half wall Oceanside. Fish right out of the Pacific, with fresh fruit for breakfast. World renowned for good reason. I still yearn for the burro trail through the jungle.
Hi Daniel, I would suggest you to make a research on Traditional Chinese medicine for start which is based on mushrooms of all kinds considering all of them have different healing properties not necessarily only magic mushrooms as they all have same basic nature. Unfortunately most of it still unknown and unexplored but I’ve been doing my own research and had came across a whole new world and bunch of really special people following their own researches as well with very good content, you might not find easily on google search but there’s thousands of books about it. Wish you good luck on your journey. It makes me really happy to see everyday more and more people getting interest on natural ways of healing with mushrooms. Once you start looking for it, it will come to you.
This is one of the most beautiful places in the world indeed. Everyone is super welcoming and will always want to help you (sorry about your experience Miss E, it’s weird to hear that about San Josรฉ).
I wanted to add, this place is called “Del Pacifico” (Pacific) for two reasons:
1) You can get to see the Pacific ocean very early in the morning.
2) No police or army members aren’t allowed in this place as authority. That’s why it’s so peaceful. The locals take care of each other (and you’re safer than in any other place in the world because of that). So…mushrooms are absolutely legal, but just in this town :).
Sounds very nice.
Yeah everything you say is spot on Alejandra!! It’s the most peaceful place and just love going back there.
Hey, what time of year did you go? Sounds interesting…
I’d defiantly recommend going in the summer time JP Stones.
It gets freezing up there in the winter.
I was in San Jose del Pacifico off season one year and have to say, it was not as positive as your experience. There were no places in the hostel and the locals were not so welcoming, although I suspect the backpacking community would have offered me a more hospitable experience altogether. I even wrote a short horror story based on the trip(!) – check it out here:
http://fleetingreams.blogspot.de/2009/12/hongo.html
I guess it’s just the luck of the draw, though – every traveller has their off-days when they’ve been on the road for several months. But if I were to go back, it would definitely be during the summer as the winter is extremely harsh. I recommend that anyone else headed that way do the same.
How’s it going Miss E. Sorry to hear your bad experience. You’ll have to go again and give it another go. I’ve been there 3 times and love the place!
Yeah the winter up there is absolutely freezing, being so high up in the mountains, the summer time is defiantly the way to go.
I find the locals really tranquilo and always greeting you as you pass by, or up for a chat if you speak a bit of Spanish.
I hope you get the chance to get back there.
Happy travels