An unexpected detour in my travels through Mexico. I find myself in a small mountain town, high on mushrooms.
By Melanie Hartshorne.
Psilocybin. Some regard it as the next big thing in therapy, other see it as a party drug, then there’s the few that fear it.
I wasn’t expecting to go on this kind of “trip” while I was in Mexico. But when a new friend, I met in a hostel in Oaxaca City, persuaded me to join him on his first mushroom trip, I couldn’t say no.
The brief history of Psilocybin Mushrooms
“Teonanácatl” the indigenous name for Magic Mushrooms by the Mazatec people. Has been used for thousands of years for cultural and ceremonial purposes. The first recordings of these practices were documented in the 1500s during the Spanish Conquest. The mushrooms were symbolized as “God’s flesh” and were respected for the potent and mind altering substance, Psilocybin.
They can bring clarity, guidance and new-found knowledge to those who consuming them. Those going into the experience with an open mind and free from their limiting thoughts, can feel a range of emotions. Love, joy and light are some enchanting feelings felt when under the influence of Psilocybin. Go into nature and you’ll feel whole with mother earth, feeling connected to your surroundings. Participants who have experiences of this kind, find themselves with a new appreciation for life and a way of thought that allows them to take on difficult situations with more grace than before.
Mushrooms can also set one’s mind into a “bad trip”. Psilocybin can be used as a natural form of therapy. Underlying psychological trauma, negative experiences or a poor outlook on one’s life can come to the forefront of a 6 – 8 hour trip. For those who are not prepared for this kind of confrontation can find the experience over whelming and possibly traumatizing.
San Jose del Pacifico, Bostel Rancho Viejo.
Located 5 hour bus ride between Oaxaca City and Puerto Escondido, I found myself in the mountain town of San Jose del Pacifico. 24 hours earlier I had booked my two nights accommodation at Bostel Rancho Viejo. The hostel isn’t in town, it’s about a kilometer walk on the winding mountain highway. Then another one kilometer walk along a muddy road. I made the horrible mistake of having a suitcase as I wasn’t anticipating this part of my trip. Try pack as light as you can for this part of the trip.
Tip: If you’re going back to the place you came from. Try leaving your belongings in storage at a hostel.
The town, at the time, was experiencing protests and road blockages. Due to the local governments irresponsible spending.
Check in was easy. They require either 200 peso or a piece of ID for a damage deposit. Stepping into the hostel, there was a warm, inviting feeling. Like all the people in the hostel were already your friends. The magic of psilocybin brings people together. There were a small group of solo travelers curled up around the fire place, sharing stories from the mushroom trip that day.
The rooms were large, with well sized, comfortable bunk beds and heavy warm blankets. It gets cold overnight.
Rancho Viejio also offers ‘Cabanas’, private self contained rooms.
What to bring.
Warm clothes are a must. September at the time, Oaxaca City had temperatures in the mid 20s (Celsius) while Puerto Escondido was in the low 30s. San Jose saw temperatures in the low to mid teens.
Cash is another big factor that will make or break your experience. There is almost no where to get money out, so bring cash with you. Budget for 1000 Pesos per day. Food 200 – 500 Peso, Mushroom Tea 500 Pesos. A trip of psilocybin mushrooms will cost between 750 – 1000 pesos, and then there’s all the little souvenirs. There’s no food in the hostel, so when you are in town buy some foods like fruit, vegetables and pasta. There are restaurants in town (La Cumbre) and one near the hostel (Comedor Jade).
The Experience
The first night we went and visited Comedor Jade, that had incredible views of the mountains. Traditional Mexican food was served, along with mushroom tea for 500 Pesos. We shared the mushroom tea between the three of us. A small dose, we experienced a light, giddy feeling of happiness for the rest of the night. As a hostel we all took part in cooking and sharing a meal together, a family style dinner. After we all laid by the fire and listened to music.
There was a moment in silence, as we all peacefully enjoyed Jeff Buckley’s “Hallelujah”.
The next morning we went for breakfast at La Cumbre, in town. We were informed we could get money out there. Came to find out it wouldn’t be till after 2pm.
Tip: for a trip, eat bananas, it’s good for the brain
With the cash we had we found a little store selling the mushrooms. Along with an array of souvenirs. The young adult took us on a story of the mushrooms and the symbolism behind them. Then instructing us on how to take them. In two doses- which I later regret following.
Once back at the hostel, we begun our adventures. Some when out for a walk through the forest, in the rain. It would have been a nice, immersive experience, but I also didn’t want to get wet or cold. The rest of us stayed in around the hostel, music on and just enjoyed the environment we were in.
Into the evening, everyone came back to the fire place. Stories were shared about our days’, new perspectives were formed and bonds were made over the shared experience.
“I was in so much peace, radiating love and warm vibes. I felt safe in the hostel and surrounded by the people I was there with. Everyone was there for the experience, whether that was their first, or one of many.
I don’t trip visually, never really have but, I felt so good. I was light, I danced, I sang, I engaged in stories with so much passion. The fire place being beautiful, with the smell of fresh cedar burning. I was proud of myself for being there, to have decided to go with people I’d met days prior. To have an experience that past me couldn’t have possibly thought to do alone!”
