description Nazca Lines Lizard Overview
The Nazca lizard is a large zoomorphic geoglyph within the Nazca Lines complex on Peru's arid coastal plain. It was formed by removing darker surface stones to expose lighter ground, the technique used for many Nazca figures and lines. Construction of the Pan-American Highway cut across the figure before the archaeological landscape received modern protection, leaving the lizard partly divided and making it a visible example of damage to the site.
help Nazca Lines Lizard FAQ
Why does the Nazca Lines Lizard look cut in half?
The Nazca Lines Lizard was notoriously bisected by the construction of the Pan-American Highway in Peru. This road was built directly through the ancient geoglyph before its full archaeological significance was completely understood.
Who created the Nazca Lines Lizard geoglyph?
The geoglyph was created by the ancient Nazca culture, who thrived in southern Peru between 1 and 700 CE. They constructed these massive desert drawings by removing the darker top layer of iron-oxide coated stones to reveal the lighter clay beneath.
How big is the Nazca Lines Lizard?
While exact measurements vary by source, individual Nazca geoglyphs frequently span hundreds of feet, making them impossible to fully recognize from the ground. The massive scale of the lizard and other figures was not fully realized until the invention of flight.
Can you visit the Nazca Lines Lizard today?
Yes, tourists visit the Nazca Desert in Peru to view the lines, often booking scenic flights from nearby cities like Nazca or Pisco. There are also observation towers along the Pan-American Highway that offer distant views of several figures.
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