Welcome to San José del Pacífico: forest, sea, mushrooms, and thousands of clouds

Imagine taking a walk in the clouds. Climbing to the top of a mountain and letting the mist enter our pores and our lungs fill with green before seeing the ocean in the distance and feeling the salt in the air. This is not a dream; it is San José del Pacífico, one of the most beautiful mountainous landscapes in Mexico.

It is a little town that is a gem located in the southwest of the state of Oaxaca and is also a must-stop for those who have decided to drive from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido and take one of the most beautiful—and challenging—roads in this country. One of those routes where the forest and the sea meet.

San José del Pacífico has a population of fewer than a thousand people, most of whom are descendants of the Zapotec people. This great cultural richness allows visitors to experience an eclectic adventure—mushrooms, mist, and sea in the background—amidst the lushest nature.

History of Mushrooms in San José del Pacífico

San José del Pacífico is a perfect little town for travelers seeking tranquility, disconnection, and introspection amidst nature. Here, the clouds cling to the treetops, and on the ground, different types of mushrooms grow.

On one hand, there grow members of the fungi kingdom that are classified as “psychedelic.” These species have been used by the Zapotecs of the region to facilitate self-discovery sessions. In fact, here among the mist, there is a type of mushroom known as “derrumbe” that became famous among hippies in the ‘60s.

But besides these species, it is worth highlighting that the cloud forests of the Sierra Sur of Oaxaca also shelter edible mushrooms that are part of Mexico’s ancestral culture and gastronomy. Around San José del Pacífico, more than 16 varieties have been recorded that can be used for cooking (and preparing moles) and sometimes have medicinal benefits.

At Rutopía, there is the possibility to take guided tours through the forest to collect and harvest edible mushrooms with experienced guides.

Beyond their properties, it is important to share the knowledge that indigenous communities have acquired about these organisms concerning the environment and culture.

Walks in the Clouds

In San José del Pacífico, any hiking trail is an opportunity to enjoy an immersion in the vegetation of the cool mountains of the Oaxacan Sierra.

It seems that here, on every corner, there is a small lookout from which you can admire the beauty of the Sierra. Its dense forest is imposing; it is shrouded in a magical atmosphere starring the song of hundreds of birds and low clouds that immerse us in a dream without beginning or end.

The trails are numerous, and the cabins and ecotourism projects are of high quality and offer a wide range of activities. Therefore, it is recommended to spend several days in this bubble to appreciate all its attractions.
‍

Surrounded by trees and clouds, San José del Pacífico is, in any case, amazing!