September 1, 2004 -- Let's face it; visiting Mexico without seeing some mariachis is like going to Hawaii and avoiding the beaches. In September, a mariachi festival in Guadalajara celebrates this musical tradition in all its toe-tapping, finger-snapping glory, making this a perfect month to plan a South-of-the-Border vacation. And fortunately, we've found some great deals to help you get there without worrying about pinching pesos.
Guadalajara
From September 2 through the 12th, 2004, Guadalajara will host the International Mariachi and Charro (cowboy) Festival for the 11th year in a row. More than two million spectators can enjoy the guitar strumming and violin hammering of mariachis hailing not only from Mexico, but also from countries as far away as Japan, Croatia and Italy. A gala dinner starts things off on September 2, followed by an inaugural parade on the fourth, with more than 50 mariachi groups marching down the street, playing every moment.
Lodging may be hard to come by, but can check out this website: www.si-mexico.com/cities/Guadalajara.htm. If you speak Spanish, look for more information on the festival at www.mariachi-jalisco.com.mx.
Pleasant Holidays
The folks at Pleasant Holidays (800/448-3333; www.pleasantholidays.com) have a bunch of specials on their Mexican list, at places on the Mayan Riviera, in Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta, to mention only three. At the Marriott Casa Magna in Puerta Vallarta, they have a four-night, land-only holiday starting at $427 per person, including roundtrip airport transfers, lodging, and all hotel taxes and surcharges. This is one resort that seems to have it all -- an 18-hole golf course, three-lighted tennis courts, swimming pool with bar, a 400-slip marina, shops, cafes and three restaurants. For this price, you must book from now through October 31, 2004 and travel January 3 through March 20, 2005.
On the Mayan Riviera, if you book an all-inclusive garden view junior suite at the El Dorado Resort between now and October 31, 2004, they will give you an automatic, free upgrade to an ocean view junior suite four-night, land-only holidays start at $361 per person, and include roundtrip airport transfers, lodging, all meals, drinks and activities, all hotel taxes and surcharges. If you depart from Los Angeles, you can use a Pleasant Holiday package on ATA Airlines, departing and returning on Saturdays, starting from $1013 per person.
Finally, Pleasant Holidays has discounts and upgrades at the Presidente Intercontinental in Los Cabos, for stays from October 11 through December 20, 2004. You get a guaranteed upgrade, and kids 12 and younger stay free in the parents' room. Four-night, land-only holidays start at $402 per person, including the airport transfers, the lodging, all meals, beverages and activities, and all hotel taxes and surcharges. Located at the tip of the Baja California Peninsula, the Presidente has its own beach, a huge pool, five restaurants, tennis and more.
Half of a Twofer
From now through December 17, 2004, if you book a room at the Marquis Los Cabos Beach, Golf, Spa & Casitas Resort in Los Cabos (877/238-9399; www.marquisloscabos.com), you can get any additional room in the same category at a 50% discount. The "Additional Room" special must be reserved for the same dates as the first room and under the same name. Rates start at $325 per night for a Junior Suite (for example, two rooms at this rate would average out to $244 each), and climb to $455 for a Marquis Suite and $600 for a Casita. In addition to its holistic spa and fitness center and a big Latin American art collection, this beachfront property has a chef with a Michelin pedigree and is a member of the Leading Hotels of the World.