A peninsula jutting out into the Caribbean sea, the Yucatán is the southernmost region of Mexico along with Chiapas. Historically the Maya dominated the region until the conquistador Montejo conquered the western half in the 1500s. In 1848 the "Caste War" -- a massive Maya rebellion -- erupted against the Mexican government's authority. Today the Yucatán is a heavily touristed area and home to Maya ruins such as Chichén Itzá, Uxmal, Tulum, and Cobá and huge resorts such as Cancun.