Machu Picchu

I am a city way up high, high in the mountains. I live in the sky. Fluffy white clouds wrap around me like a soft, cozy blanket. Sometimes I play peek-a-boo with the sun when the clouds move. On my green grass, fuzzy llamas walk all day. Their noses are soft, and they tickle the ground when they eat. I love to watch them play. I am a secret city made of stone. I am Machu Picchu!

A long, long time ago, the amazing Inca people built me. They were so clever. They made me around the year 1450 for their leader, a great king named Pachacuti. He wanted a special place high in the mountains. The Inca people were like puzzle masters. They took giant, heavy stones and fit them together perfectly. The stones hug each other so tightly, they have stayed that way forever. They did not need any sticky glue. On my sides, they built big stone steps, like a giant staircase. They grew yummy food on these steps, like corn and potatoes. They also built special windows to watch the big, bright sun wake up every morning and say goodnight every evening. I was a happy home.

For many, many years, I was a secret. Shhh. Only the wind and the llamas knew I was here, sleeping in the clouds. No one else could find me. Then, one day, an explorer who loved adventures came to the mountains. His name was Hiram Bingham. In the year 1911, he found me. He was so happy to see my stone walls. He told everyone my story. Now, friends from all over the big world come to visit. They walk on my paths and learn about the Inca. I love having visitors. I am here to share my magic and remind you to always look for wonderful adventures.