Getting Oriented

The region is easy to reach and explore, thanks to the central, mostly flat highway that traverses the island from Havana to eastern Cuba. The road becomes only slightly hilly east of Santa Clara, where it passes near the northern extreme of the Sierra de Escambray, the verdant mountain range that dominates the southern corner of Villa Clara and about half of Cienfuegos and Sancti Spíritus provinces. Various roads wind into the mountains from Trinidad and Cienfuegos. One connects the two cities via Topes de Collantes; another, more direct route runs along the coast. The more easterly provincial capitals of Ciego de Ávila and Camagüey are surrounded by flat ranch land, with roads running north and northeast to the coast.

Villa Clara, Cienfuegos, and Sancti Spíritus Provinces: These provinces are the home to historic cities, a half-dozen beaches, and natural attractions that range from highland forests to coral reefs. Ciego de Ávila and Camagüey Provinces: Ciego de Ávila and Camaguey provinces are historically agricultural areas that are due south of the Jardines del Rey, some of the most beautiful cayos of Cuba.