Latin America is divided into three main regions - Mexico and Central America, the Caribbean, and South America. Mexico and Central America feature mountain ranges like the Sierra Madre and a central plateau in Mexico. Central America is an isthmus with fertile soil from volcanic activity. The Panama Canal allows shipping to pass between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. The Caribbean is made up of islands, both large and small. South America features the Andes Mountains along the west coast and the massive Amazon Rainforest basin to the east.