The Alturas de Santa Clara rise sensually to the south and east of the city and merge gradually into the heights of the Sierra Escambray. The hills and valleys are pocked with quaint timeworn villages and quilted by tobacco fields tilled by oxen and tended by guajiros in straw hats and white linen field clothes.

Both the Autopista and Carretera Central pass through the region.

One of the most scenic drives in Cuba is the route directly south from Santa Clara to Manicaragua and into the foothills of the Sierra Escambray along route 4-474 to Topes de Collantes. There’s a gas station in Manicaragua.