Summary

Physical Geography of Latin America and the Caribbean

Los Llanos grasslands, Venezuela

Latin America and the Caribbean have an array of geographic and environmental features. Consider the contrast between the frigid peaks of the Andes Mountains and the lush rainforest of the Amazon River Basin. Alternately, compare the barren sands of the Atacama Desert, to the tropical grasslands of Los Llanos. People who live in these regions are greatly influenced by these variations in physical geography. This has resulted in a culturally diverse area. Keep this in mind as you travel to each sub-region: Mexico and Central America, the Caribbean, and South America.