In mythology of Andean civilizations of South America, the amaru or katari (aymara) is a mythical serpent or dragon. In Inca mythology, Amaru is a huge double-headed serpent that dwells underground, at the bottom of lakes and rivers. Illustrated with the heads of a bird and a puma, Amaru can be seen emerging from a central element in the center of a stepped mountain or pyramid motif in the Gateway of the Sun at Tiwanaku, Bolivia. When illustrated on religious vessels, amaru is often seen with bird-like feet and wings, so that it resembles a dragon. Amaru is believed to be capable of transcending boundaries to and from the spiritual realm of the subterranean world.On Inca mythology it is described: "Dragon or rather a Chimera of Inca Mythology. It had multiple heads consisting of either a puma's, a condor's, or a llama's head with a fox's muzzle, condor wings, snake's body, fish's tail, and coated in crocodilian or lizard scales. It was found frequently throughout Andean iconography and naming within the empire, and likely predates the rise of the Inca".
Another author stated: "(Sacred serpent) was a serpent or dragon deity often represented...