South American shrooms are a strain of psilocybin mushrooms that was originally collected in Venezuela.

The first sample was taken by Spore Chicks, which was a magic mushroom spore vendor that has since gone out of business.

Other shrooms throughout South America — like the Argentina strain and the Amazon strain — are named after more specific regions where the original sample was collected, so it’s unclear why this strain, in particular, is named more broadly.

In any case, the South American shroom has an above-average concentration of psilocybin and psilocin, though most users report a well-balanced psychedelic experience that isn’t as overwhelming as some other strains with similar potency.

For several years, a sample of the Orissa India strain held the world record for the largest cubensis fruiting body, but a South American shroom grown by Shroomery user P. Menace has since earned that distinction.

Like many other strains that originate in South America, it’s possible that the South American strain is a direct descendent of the mushrooms used in religious ceremonies by the tribes that inhabited the area hundreds or even thousands of years ago.

South American Magic Mushrooms Specs

South American Magic Mushrooms Potency & Psilocybin Content

Shroom potency is difficult to nail down because growing conditions can affect psilocybin and psilocin content quite a lot. Trip reports from users who take South American shrooms typically pretty strong — most comparable to strains like Tapalpa, True Albino Teacher, and Xapuri.

Based on the subjective experience of this mushroom, we estimate the total tryptamine content to be somewhere between 1.2% and 1.8% by dried weight. 

For comparison, the average is between 0.5% and 1`% of total tryptamine levels.

Where to Buy South American Magic Mushrooms Spores

South American shrooms are relatively popular thanks to the size of the fruiting bodies, so you shouldn’t have too much of an issue finding spores.

If you live in the United States, Ralphster’s Spores, Spores 101, Free Spores, and High Desert Spores should all be able to supply you with syringes or spore prints.

If you live in Canada, Spores 101 will also be able to supply you with spores for this strain.

If you live in Europe, you can check Kosmic Kitchen, Viking Spore, and The Magic Mushroom Shop, although last we checked, none of these European vendors had the South American strain in stock.

Related: How & Where to Buy Magic Mushroom Spores (Legally).

How to Grow South American Shrooms

South American shrooms have a similar growth pattern to many other Psilocybe cubensis strains, so the process will be similar no matter which strain you choose. This strain particularly grows well on brown rice flour and rye grain.

You can expect rapid colonization from the South American strain, which means it has great resistance to mold and disease. Still, you want to ensure you do everything you can to eliminate contamination.

Expect large fruiting bodies from South American shrooms and three to four voluminous flushes. The shrooms typically grow densely packed, so you can get a decent harvest even on minimal substrate.

For more detailed instructions, you can check out our complete guide to cultivating magic mushrooms.