Choose Your Own Adventure: Machu Picchu
Setting: Machu Picchu, Peru. Dawn breaks over the ancient citadel. Mist clings to the peaks, and llamas graze on emerald terraces. You’re with a small tour group led by Carlos, a Quechua guide with kind eyes and a weathered hat.
Page 1: The Arrival
You step off the bus, the air crisp and thin. Machu Picchu sprawls before you—crumbling stone temples, staircases to nowhere, and terraces draped in clouds. Carlos gathers the group:
“Bienvenidos! This city was built by the Inca Pachacuti. Some say it’s a sanctuary. Others whisper it guards a secret. Today, you choose your path.”
He points to two trails:
- A. Hike to Inti Punku (Sun Gate): A steep climb to a stone archway where the sunrise paints the mountains gold.
- B. Descend to the Temple of the Condor: A shadowy complex carved like wings, where rituals once echoed.
What do you choose?
→ If A, turn to page 2.
→ If B, turn to page 3.
Page 2: The Sun Gate
You ascend alone, lungs burning. At Inti Punku, the view steals your breath: Machu Picchu gleams below like a puzzle box. As you rest, a glint catches your eye—a jade pendant half-buried in moss. It’s etched with a serpent, sun, and condor: the Inca trilogy.
Carlos’s warning echoes: “Some artifacts belong to the apus (mountain spirits).”
- A. Pocket the pendant. It feels warm, almost alive.
- B. Leave it untouched. You came for views, not curses.
What do you do?
→ If A, turn to page 4.
→ If B, turn to page 5.
Page 3: Temple of the Condor
The temple is hushed, its stone wings towering overhead. In a dim alcove, you find a crumbling codex—a bark-paper scroll painted with stars and glyphs. Carlos said looters stole the last one decades ago.
Suddenly, footsteps approach. A park ranger rounds the corner, flashlight beam slicing the gloom.
- A. Hide the codex. It might rewrite history.
- B. Hand it over. Preservation beats greed.
What do you do?
→ If A, turn to page 6.
→ If B, turn to page 7.
Page 4: The Pendant’s Whisper
You slip the pendant into your pocket. Instantly, the sky darkens. Wind howls as a figure materializes—a woman in Inca robes, translucent as mist. “You awoke me,” she murmurs. “The pendant is a key. Follow?”
- A. Follow her down a hidden stairway.
- B. Back away. This feels like a hallucination from altitude.
What do you do?
→ If A, turn to page 8.
→ If B, turn to page 5.
Page 5: The Safe Return
You rejoin Carlos at the main plaza. He smiles, offering coca tea. “Wise choice. Some mysteries aren’t for mortals.” As llamas amble past, you feel content—but unchanged.
Ending: The Respectful Traveler
You leave with photos and peace. Machu Picchu keeps its secrets, and you keep your sanity. 🌄
Page 6: The Hidden Codex
You stuff the codex into your backpack. Heart pounding, you exit the temple—but the ranger stops you. “Empty your bag, please.” Panic flares.
- A. Run toward the terraces.
- B. Confess and apologize.
What do you do?
→ If A, turn to page 9.
→ If B, turn to page 7.
Page 7: The Honest Path
You hand the ranger the codex. His stern face softens. “Gracias. This belongs to Peru.” He calls Carlos, who translates the glyphs: “It’s a star map! It points to Vilcabamba, the last Inca refuge.” You’re invited to join the dig.
Ending: The Historian’s Apprentice
Your integrity earns you a place on an expedition. Next stop: the lost city! 🗺️
Page 8: The Spirit’s Gate
You follow the spirit down mossy stairs to a golden door etched with constellations. She presses your hand to it. “Only a worthy heart opens it.” The pendant glows.
- A. Push the door.
- B. Refuse. This is too much.
What do you do?
→ If A, turn to page 10.
→ If B, turn to page 5.
Page 9: The Chase
You bolt across terraces, dodging tourists. Mist thickens, disorienting you. A loose stone gives way—you slide toward a cliff! Carlos grabs your wrist just in time. “Why run? The ranger wanted to thank you for finding the codex!” Too late. Your bag plummets into the Urubamba River.
Ending: The Tragic Thief
You lose the codex and face a hefty fine. Machu Picchu humbles the greedy. ⚖️
Page 10: The Sanctuary
The door swings open. Inside, glowing quartz veins light a garden: golden corn, unknown flowers, and a fountain flowing with pure water. The spirit smiles. “This is Paititi, the eternal sanctuary. Protect it.” She vanishes. You’re alone with a choice.
- A. Drink from the fountain.
- B. Seal the door and leave.
What do you do?
→ If A, turn to page 11.
→ If B, turn to page 12.
Page 11: The Eternal Guardian
You sip the water. Energy floods your veins. Visions flood your mind: Inca engineers, Spanish conquistadors, future climbers. You understand—you’re now Paititi’s immortal guardian, bound to the mountain.
Ending: The Keeper of Secrets
You vanish from human records. Centuries pass; hikers swear they see a figure watching from the peaks. ⛰️✨
Page 12: The Secret Saved
You seal the door. The pendant crumbles to dust. Back at camp, Carlos studies your dazed expression. “You saw something, didn’t you?” You nod, forever changed.
Ending: The Witness
You return home, guarding Paititi’s location in your heart. Some truths are too sacred to share. 🤫
Epilogue
Machu Picchu remains a riddle. Your choices shaped its magic—or madness. Would you dare return?
Adventure again? Start over on page 1!
English 
