Shopping is irrestible in San Miguel. Visit  Dolores Hidalgo, known for its Talavera pottery (colorful glazed earthenware introduced by the Spaniards in the 16th century).  The town is only 20 miles from San Miguel, but a world away.

The ceramics shops are filled with treasures. The largest stores are on Calle Distrito Federal, about a 10-minute walk from the bus station. Azulejos Talavera Cortes, the largest tile factory in town, is a warehouse the size of two football fields and offers more than 250 distinct designs.

Pottery row or the Calle Puebla has an enormous selection of vases, candlesticks, decorative boxes and lamps glazed in bright primary colors. Most stores also offer full sets of lead-free dishes painted with sunflowers, fruit and tropical fish.