Sacsayhuamán

I am made of giant, heavy stones that fit together just like a puzzle. I sit high up on a green hill, and I can see a beautiful city way down below. My walls are not straight like other walls. They zigzag like a big lightning bolt across the grass. People who visit love to touch my cool stones. They wonder how they got here. I love to watch them play. I am Sacsayhuamán, a very special place in the high mountains of Peru. It is so nice to meet you.

I was built a long, long time ago by the amazing Inca people. It all started in the year 1438. Their leader was a great king named Pachacuti, and he wanted a strong and beautiful place for his city. For many, many years, lots of people worked together. They pushed and pulled giant rocks. Some rocks were as big as a house. They did it all with their strong hands, without any wheels. They shaped each stone so it fit perfectly next to the other, like a hug. I was made to be a strong fortress to keep everyone safe and also a happy place for big celebrations.

Many years have gone by, but I am still here on my green hill. People from all over the world come to visit me. Little children run on my soft grass and play hide-and-seek behind my giant walls. Every year in June, there is a big, colorful party here. It is called the Inti Raymi, the Festival of the Sun. There is happy music and dancing. I love being a place where friends and families come together to smile and celebrate the warm sunshine. I am here to remind you that working together can create wonderful things that last a long, long time.