Seasoned explorer Nikki Sepsas took his audience on an exploration through Machu Picchu with his informative presentation at the Homewood Senior Center on Aug. 12. Sepsas often shares his experience traveling the world through various outreach programs at libraries, schools and retirement centers.

For this particular presentation, he guided the audience through the Andes mountains, where Inca were located, explaining details such as train sites, stonework and agriculture. Many of these things he experienced firsthand as a tour guide in Peru, which included scaling extreme mountains to reach these sites.

“I just love the spirituality of the hike,” Sespas said. “The history of [Machu Picchu] is still a mystery, so we don’t know so much about it. [The] culture is incredible, because it predates the Spanish.” 

Machu Picchu’s impressive mountains and sophisticated carved stone signify a rich culture, he said. The Inca people have displayed high levels of engineering and architecture, from temples and polished stone buildings. 

Sepsas served in the military for 43 years, realizing early that he was not suited for a desk job. His work with risky oil drilling rigs overseas inspired his travelling journey, and he decided to start documenting his trips out of interest and curiosity.  

“I had to be outside,” Sepsas said. “Travelling was the only thing I loved.” 

Sepsas funded his global travels through company sponsorships, first suggested by his friend after the military.

In addition to his explorations, Sepsas pursues a successful writing career, authoring 240 books and more than 1000 articles. His works have reached the top of the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists. 

His latest publication about his hometown is called “Hellenic HeartBeat in the Deep South: A History of the Greek Community in Alabama.”