La Mancha proper is limited by the Sierra de Alcaraz, Sierra Morena, Montes de Toledo, and Serranía de Cuenca. The largest plain in the Iberian Peninsula, it is made up of plateaux averaging 500 to 600 metres in altitude, centring on the province of Ciudad Real. The region is watered by the Guadiana, Záncara, Cigüela, and Júcar rivers.

The subcomarcas of Campo de Montiel and Campo de Calatrava, to the south, are sometimes considered part of La Mancha.

La Mancha has always been an important agricultural zone. The culture of the vine is important in Valdepeñas and Manzanares. Other crops include cereals (whence the famous windmills) and saffron. Cattle are raised, providing the famous Manchego cheese.

La Mancha includes the Lagunas de Ruidera and Parque Nacional de las Tablas de Daimiel.

The climate is continental, with strong fluctuations.

Miguel de Cervantes gave international fame to this land and its windmills when he wrote Don Quixote de La Mancha. Spanish cinema director Pedro Almodovar was born in this region.