San José del Pacífico, Mountain village in Sierra Sur region, Oaxaca, Mexico.
San José del Pacífico is a mountain village in the Sierra Sur region of Oaxaca, situated at about 2,500 meters elevation amid mist and dense forests. The settlement features modest buildings nestled into the hilly terrain, with narrow pathways connecting homes through the landscape.
The village emerged from Zapotec territories and evolved into an important mountain pass linking Oaxaca City to Pacific coastal areas. This strategic location shaped its role across the centuries.
The population of 552 inhabitants maintains traditional practices, with 67 percent following Catholicism and 11 percent preserving indigenous heritage.
The best time to visit is during the drier months when paths are more manageable and visibility improves. The highland climate stays cool, so bringing warmer clothing is advisable.
Traditional temazcal steam baths use local herbs and ancestral healing practices that visitors can experience at this elevation. This custom combines physical cleansing with wellness rituals rooted in the region.
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