Sacred sites in Peru
Pre-Columbian

Nasca - La Lagartija

A creature of regeneration bisected by a highway — divided but not erased

Nazca, Ica, Peru

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Nasca - La Lagartija
Photo: Photo by PsamatheM

Plan this visit

Practical context before you go

Open in MapsVisit notes
Duration

Part of Mirador visit.

Access

Mirador, 20 km north of Nazca.

Etiquette

UNESCO site.

At a glance

Coordinates
-14.6960, -75.1155
Type
Geoglyph
Suggested duration
Part of Mirador visit.
Access
Mirador, 20 km north of Nazca.

Pilgrim tips

  • Sun protection.
  • Permitted.
  • Ground access prohibited.

Continue exploring

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Overview

The Lizard, approximately 188 metres, is bisected by the Panamericana Sur highway. Upper portion visible from the Mirador.

The Lizard geoglyph is one of the more elaborate Nazca designs, bisected by the Panamericana Sur highway. Lizards in Andean cosmology are associated with earth, regeneration, and movement between worlds. A creature of regeneration, divided but not erased.

Part of Líneas de Nazca.

Context and lineage

Part of sacred landscape.

Nazca cultures.

Paul Kosok

Researcher

Why this place is sacred

The Lizard is the most wounded of the Nazca geoglyphs. A modern highway cuts through its body. Yet the figure persists — divided but not erased. Its survival in fragments speaks to the resilience of the marks and the violence modernity sometimes inflicts on the ancient world.

Regeneration symbolism.

Created 500 BC - 500 AD. Bisected by highway.

Traditions and practice

Ritual processions.

Conservation.

Consider what lies beneath the highway.

Nazca culture religion

Historical

Regeneration.

Ritual.

Experience and perspectives

From the Mirador, the upper portion is visible. The highway bisection is immediately apparent. The figure continues on the other side of the road.

Note where the highway cuts. The figure continues beneath the traffic.

Past meets present.

Regeneration symbolism.

No living tradition.

N/A.

Original form partially destroyed.

Visit planning

Mirador, 20 km north of Nazca.

Nazca town.

UNESCO site.

Sun protection.

Permitted.

None.

Walking prohibited

Plan your visit

Open in Google Maps

Address

8V4P+RGJ, 11350, Peru

Hours

Monday: Open 24 hoursTuesday: Open 24 hoursWednesday: Open 24 hoursThursday: Open 24 hoursFriday: Open 24 hoursSaturday: Open 24 hoursSunday: Open 24 hours

Hours, fees, and access can change — verify on the official source before you travel. Practical details last checked Jun 2026.

Nearby sacred places

Sacred places within a half-day’s reach. Pilgrims often visit them together: walk one, stay for the other.

Nasca - El Árbol

Nasca - El Árbol

Nazca, Ica, Peru

0.3 km away

Nasca - El Manos

Nasca - El Manos

Nazca, Ica, Peru

0.3 km away

Nasca - El Garza

Nasca - El Garza

Nazca, Ica, Peru

0.5 km away

Nasca - El Araña

Nasca - El Araña

Nazca, Ica, Peru

0.8 km away

References

Sources consulted when researching this page. Independent verification by readers is welcome.

  1. 01Nazca lines - Wikipedia — Wikipedia contributors

Key questions

What pilgrims usually ask

Why is Nasca - La Lagartija considered sacred?
The Lizard — regeneration bisected by a highway.
What should I wear at Nasca - La Lagartija?
Sun protection.
Can I take photos at Nasca - La Lagartija?
Permitted.
How long should I spend at Nasca - La Lagartija?
Part of Mirador visit.
How do you visit Nasca - La Lagartija?
Mirador, 20 km north of Nazca.
What offerings are appropriate at Nasca - La Lagartija?
None.
What etiquette should visitors follow at Nasca - La Lagartija?
UNESCO site.
What is the history of Nasca - La Lagartija?
Part of sacred landscape.