Xcaret Eco Theme Park is full of Mexico; Mayan Culture, Flora and Fauna, Archaeological Tours, Water Attractions and has a great Swim With Dolphin Tour. All this located in Playa del Carmen, 45 minutes from Cancun Mexico in the Riviera Maya, where Xcaret is proof that development, conservation, culture and entertainment are not opposite concepts. Several small Maya ruins lie through the park's 200 acres. Xcaret is a Mayan word meaning "small inlet." This settlement was at its peak from 1400 to approximately 1517 A.D. The Mayas are said to have bathed in the inlet to purify their bodies before traveling to Cozumel to worship Ixchel, Goddess of Fertility. There are various attractions in Xcaret. They include the Scenic Tower, swim with dolphins, Underground River Swim,and many more. Xcaret also has many animals, such as macaws, flamingos, turtles, bats, and wild iguannas. There are also many events in Xcaret Park. These events range from Turtle Feeding to The Dance of The Owl. The "Traves?a Sagrada Maya" (Mayan Sacred Crossing), in pre-Columbian times, was an annual rite when Mayans would cross the sea from Xcaret and Playa del Carmen to Cozumel to pay homage to the lunar goddess Ix Chel. The modern version is a re-creation of this rite done in late May to early June.