USAirways puts historic Guadalajara within reach

USAirways offers a steal of a deal to Guadalajara, Mexico, the country’s second largest city and the birthplace of tequila and mariachi music.

Most of the town was razed during modernization in the 50s, yet much of the colonial architecture remains. The city’s numerous parks, plazas, green spaces and its historic center make it a pleasant destination to discover on foot, on a double decker bus or by calandria (horse-drawn carriage).

Much of the action takes place near the Cathedral, located in the heart of the city. Walk to Plaza Tapatio for the picturesque arcades and promenades and to nearby Plaza de los Mariachis for a drink in a cafe and listen to the mariachis play.

Suggested day trips should include the towns of Tequila, where the liquor of the same name is produced, and Tlaquepaque and Tonala, where artisans create an abundance of Mexican handicrafts. Less than an hour from the city and in the center of the Tequila valleys are the Guachimontones Pyramids, which were excavated within the last decade and today a UNESCO World Heritage site. The site is considered to be about 2,000 years old and was likely home to a complex Aztec society and a place for ceremonial worship.

Guadalajara has one of the worlds great climates with mild spring-like temperatures during most of the year.

Learn more about Guadalajara, the “Pearl of the West”, at allaboutguadalajara.com.

Now let’s get you there on a budget.

USAirways offers a round-trip sale rate of $390 on trips taken now through Nov. 17, 2013 (rates between Atlanta and Guadalajara normally price around $700). An advance notice of travel is not required. Stay a minimum of any two nights. There are no blackout dates to avoid. The flight route requires a connection in Phoenix.

This offer has no ticket-by date which indicates the deal could vanish at anytime. Make haste with your purchase.

Sale airfares are always subject to change. Every seat on every flight is not offered at the lowest rate.

I recommend starting the search for available seats at Kayak.com vs. calling an airline directly. You can also search for the sale at travel websites such as Expedia, Orbitz or Travelocity, etc.

Clara Bosonetto is a retired travel consultant.