Originally named Boca de Ranchuelo, the settlement was founded by Dionisio Consuegra on October 1, 1734.

[1] The town is divided into the barrios of Norte, Poza de la China, Sitio Viejo and Sur.

[1] Ranchuelo is 7 km from San Juan de los Yeras, 9 from Esperanza, 16 from Cruces, 28 from Santa Clara, 43 from Cienfuegos and 256 from Havana.

It borders with the municipalities of Santo Domingo, Cifuentes, Santa Clara, Manicaragua, Cruces and Lajas.

[6] Esperanza, the most populated municipal hamlet, is crossed in the middle by the "Carretera Central" state highway.