De Sacs et d'Eau
One day, we decided to leave. The rest is written here and along the way!
De Sacs et d'Eau
One day, we decided to leave. The rest is written here and along the way!
De Sacs et d'Eau
One day, we decided to leave. The rest is written here and along the way!
De Sacs et d'Eau
One day, we decided to leave. The rest is written here and along the way!
Welcome to De Sacs et d'Eau
Welcome to De Sacs et d'Eau
We are Tristan and Mathilde. A French duo who set off on a one-year backpacking adventure across South America, driven by a single belief: that the best memories are made along the way.
De Sacs et d'Eau is our travel blog. Packed with comprehensive guides, road-tested itineraries, and interactive maps, we give you everything you need to plan your trip, right in your pocket.
To make this happen, we choose overland travel over flying, eat local, and support guesthouses and shops run by the locals themselves. Traveling far, yes, but being mindful of our footprint along the way.
Who are we?
Discover our free travel guides!
Before you pack your backpack to head off and discover a new city, we've put together some guides on the absolute best spots! These are free guides we're sharing with you, so you won't miss a single highlight. Our travel guides are resources designed by travelers, for travelers, so you can set off with peace of mind and not miss a thing.
Guides: Here are our travel guides from around the world
Our top tips for planning your trip
From choosing the right backpack to tips for taking overnight buses, and all the essentials you can't forget before you head out, we've thought of everything! We really wish we'd had this advice for some stages of our own trip. That's why we've put together these guides, so you can set off without worrying about leaving anything behind. Here, you'll find all our practical, real-world advice to plan your trip stress-free and enjoy every single moment.
Tips & Tricks: How to make sure you don't leave the essentials behind
Currently,
we are
to Mexico
One year of travel. Two backpacks. As few planes as possible.
Since we set off, we've been traversing the globe by bus, boat, and on foot. Not because we have to, but by conviction. Every mile covered on the road means one more landscape, one more encounter, and a little less carbon in the atmosphere. We only fly when there’s no other option, never just for convenience.
+25 countries crossed | +50 000 km by overland transport | Flights limited to what is absolutely necessary | +60 guides published
Follow this adventure day by day with our stories: local traditions, night bus struggles, market food stalls at 2 euros, and landscapes that keep on changing.
Currently,
we are
to Mexico
One year of travel. Two backpacks. As few planes as possible.
Since we set off, we've been traversing the globe by bus, boat, and on foot. Not because we have to, but by conviction. Every mile covered on the road means one more landscape, one more encounter, and a little less carbon in the atmosphere. We only fly when there’s no other option, never just for convenience.
+25 countries crossed | +50 000 km by overland transport | Flights limited to what is absolutely necessary | +60 guides published
Follow this adventure day by day with our stories: local traditions, night bus struggles, market food stalls at 2 euros, and landscapes that keep on changing.
Currently,
we are
to Mexico
One year of travel. Two backpacks. As few planes as possible.
Since we set off, we've been traversing the globe by bus, boat, and on foot. Not because we have to, but by conviction. Every mile covered on the road means one more landscape, one more encounter, and a little less carbon in the atmosphere. We only fly when there’s no other option, never just for convenience.
+25 countries crossed | +50 000 km by overland transport | Flights limited to what is absolutely necessary | +60 guides published
Follow this adventure day by day with our stories: local traditions, night bus struggles, market food stalls at 2 euros, and landscapes that keep on changing.
Currently,
we are
to Mexico
One year of travel. Two backpacks. As few planes as possible.
Since we set off, we've been traversing the globe by bus, boat, and on foot. Not because we have to, but by conviction. Every mile covered on the road means one more landscape, one more encounter, and a little less carbon in the atmosphere. We only fly when there’s no other option, never just for convenience.
+25 countries crossed | +50 000 km by overland transport | Flights limited to what is absolutely necessary | +60 guides published
Follow this adventure day by day with our stories: local traditions, night bus struggles, market food stalls at 2 euros, and landscapes that keep on changing.
Currently,
we are
to Mexico
One year of travel. Two backpacks. As few planes as possible.
Since we set off, we've been traversing the globe by bus, boat, and on foot. Not because we have to, but by conviction. Every mile covered on the road means one more landscape, one more encounter, and a little less carbon in the atmosphere. We only fly when there’s no other option, never just for convenience.
+25 countries crossed | +50 000 km by overland transport | Flights limited to what is absolutely necessary | +60 guides published
Follow this adventure day by day with our stories: local traditions, night bus struggles, market food stalls at 2 euros, and landscapes that keep on changing.
Our stories throughout this journey
Travel is all about gathering those unforgettable moments. We’ve learned so much alongside local guides, stood in awe of breathtaking landscapes, and dove into cultures completely new to us. Here, we share our adventures, personal favorites, and discoveries to inspire you as you plan your next journey.
Quito
A look at modern Ecuador: the journey from independence to dollarization
From independence in 1830 to dollarization in 2000, Ecuador's journey has been shaped by cocoa and banana booms, Eloy Alfaro's historic railway, oil in the Amazon, and a major banking crisis. You can explore the country's modern history firsthand at the Museo de la Ciudad in Quito.
Kisses from us!
Mathilde and Tristan
Quito
A look at modern Ecuador: the journey from independence to dollarization
From independence in 1830 to dollarization in 2000, Ecuador's journey has been shaped by cocoa and banana booms, Eloy Alfaro's historic railway, oil in the Amazon, and a major banking crisis. You can explore the country's modern history firsthand at the Museo de la Ciudad in Quito.
Kisses from us!
Mathilde and Tristan
Quito
A look at modern Ecuador: the journey from independence to dollarization
From independence in 1830 to dollarization in 2000, Ecuador's journey has been shaped by cocoa and banana booms, Eloy Alfaro's historic railway, oil in the Amazon, and a major banking crisis. You can explore the country's modern history firsthand at the Museo de la Ciudad in Quito.
Kisses from us!
Mathilde and Tristan
Colonial Quito
Colonial Quito: baroque art, golden churches, and the spirit of independence
From the Spanish conquest in 1534 to the Battle of Pichincha in 1822, discover Quito's colonial history at the City Museum. You'll explore stunning Baroque churches, the unique Escuela Quiteña art movement, the historic textile workshops known as obrajes, and the city's historic first cry for independence.
Kisses from us!
Mathilde and Tristan
Colonial Quito
Colonial Quito: baroque art, golden churches, and the spirit of independence
From the Spanish conquest in 1534 to the Battle of Pichincha in 1822, discover Quito's colonial history at the City Museum. You'll explore stunning Baroque churches, the unique Escuela Quiteña art movement, the historic textile workshops known as obrajes, and the city's historic first cry for independence.
Kisses from us!
Mathilde and Tristan
Colonial Quito
Colonial Quito: baroque art, golden churches, and the spirit of independence
From the Spanish conquest in 1534 to the Battle of Pichincha in 1822, discover Quito's colonial history at the City Museum. You'll explore stunning Baroque churches, the unique Escuela Quiteña art movement, the historic textile workshops known as obrajes, and the city's historic first cry for independence.
Kisses from us!
Mathilde and Tristan
Cuenca
Shrunken heads and Amazonian tribes: Pumapungo Museum in Cuenca
Discover the fascinating history of tsantsas (shrunken heads), Amazonian tribes, and Inca ruins at the Pumapungo Museum in Cuenca, Ecuador. With 10,794 ethnographic artifacts, it offers an incredible window into the Shuar worldview and ancestral rituals.
Kisses from us!
Mathilde and Tristan
Cuenca
Shrunken heads and Amazonian tribes: Pumapungo Museum in Cuenca
Discover the fascinating history of tsantsas (shrunken heads), Amazonian tribes, and Inca ruins at the Pumapungo Museum in Cuenca, Ecuador. With 10,794 ethnographic artifacts, it offers an incredible window into the Shuar worldview and ancestral rituals.
Kisses from us!
Mathilde and Tristan
Cuenca
Shrunken heads and Amazonian tribes: Pumapungo Museum in Cuenca
Discover the fascinating history of tsantsas (shrunken heads), Amazonian tribes, and Inca ruins at the Pumapungo Museum in Cuenca, Ecuador. With 10,794 ethnographic artifacts, it offers an incredible window into the Shuar worldview and ancestral rituals.
Kisses from us!
Mathilde and Tristan
Carhuaz
Animal volunteering in Peru: our experience at a sanctuary
Volunteering at a dog shelter and looking after 98 dogs for 2 weeks is quite an adventure—you really build an amazing bond with the animals!
Kisses from us!
Mathilde and Tristan
Carhuaz
Animal volunteering in Peru: our experience at a sanctuary
Volunteering at a dog shelter and looking after 98 dogs for 2 weeks is quite an adventure—you really build an amazing bond with the animals!
Kisses from us!
Mathilde and Tristan
Carhuaz
Animal volunteering in Peru: our experience at a sanctuary
Volunteering at a dog shelter and looking after 98 dogs for 2 weeks is quite an adventure—you really build an amazing bond with the animals!
Kisses from us!
Mathilde and Tristan
Inca engineering
Inca engineering: the questions everyone asks
Imagine 60,000 km of roads built without wheels, 200-ton stone blocks seamlessly fitted without mortar, and suspension bridges swinging over deep canyons. On our Salkantay Trek adventure, we set out to answer the big questions about the marvels of Inca engineering.
Kisses from us!
Mathilde and Tristan
Inca engineering
Inca engineering: the questions everyone asks
Imagine 60,000 km of roads built without wheels, 200-ton stone blocks seamlessly fitted without mortar, and suspension bridges swinging over deep canyons. On our Salkantay Trek adventure, we set out to answer the big questions about the marvels of Inca engineering.
Kisses from us!
Mathilde and Tristan
Inca engineering
Inca engineering: the questions everyone asks
Imagine 60,000 km of roads built without wheels, 200-ton stone blocks seamlessly fitted without mortar, and suspension bridges swinging over deep canyons. On our Salkantay Trek adventure, we set out to answer the big questions about the marvels of Inca engineering.
Kisses from us!
Mathilde and Tristan
The Andean civilizations
5,000 years of Andean civilizations: from Caral to the Incas
Long before the Incas, Peru was home to Caral, the Chavin, the Chimu, and dozens of other forgotten civilizations. We retrace 5,000 years of Andean history through the stories shared by our guide on the Salkantay trek.
Kisses from us!
Mathilde and Tristan
The Andean civilizations
5,000 years of Andean civilizations: from Caral to the Incas
Long before the Incas, Peru was home to Caral, the Chavin, the Chimu, and dozens of other forgotten civilizations. We retrace 5,000 years of Andean history through the stories shared by our guide on the Salkantay trek.
Kisses from us!
Mathilde and Tristan
The Andean civilizations
5,000 years of Andean civilizations: from Caral to the Incas
Long before the Incas, Peru was home to Caral, the Chavin, the Chimu, and dozens of other forgotten civilizations. We retrace 5,000 years of Andean history through the stories shared by our guide on the Salkantay trek.
Kisses from us!
Mathilde and Tristan
Salkantay
Apus, Pachamama and Syncretism: Understanding Andean Spirituality
Deified mountains, high-altitude sacrifices, and Christian festivals packed with Inca roots: here is your guide to Andean cosmology, all shared with us by our local guide on the Salkantay trek.
Kisses from us!
Mathilde and Tristan
Salkantay
Apus, Pachamama and Syncretism: Understanding Andean Spirituality
Deified mountains, high-altitude sacrifices, and Christian festivals packed with Inca roots: here is your guide to Andean cosmology, all shared with us by our local guide on the Salkantay trek.
Kisses from us!
Mathilde and Tristan
Salkantay
Apus, Pachamama and Syncretism: Understanding Andean Spirituality
Deified mountains, high-altitude sacrifices, and Christian festivals packed with Inca roots: here is your guide to Andean cosmology, all shared with us by our local guide on the Salkantay trek.
Kisses from us!
Mathilde and Tristan
The glaciers of Peru
The story of Peru's tropical glaciers
Peru is home to 75% of the world's tropical glaciers. While hiking the Salkantay Trek, our guide explained what they mean to the locals, as well as the natural disasters they can cause.
Kisses from us!
Mathilde and Tristan
The glaciers of Peru
The story of Peru's tropical glaciers
Peru is home to 75% of the world's tropical glaciers. While hiking the Salkantay Trek, our guide explained what they mean to the locals, as well as the natural disasters they can cause.
Kisses from us!
Mathilde and Tristan
The glaciers of Peru
The story of Peru's tropical glaciers
Peru is home to 75% of the world's tropical glaciers. While hiking the Salkantay Trek, our guide explained what they mean to the locals, as well as the natural disasters they can cause.
Kisses from us!
Mathilde and Tristan
Equateur
A look at modern Ecuador: the journey from independence to dollarization
From independence in 1830 to dollarization in 2000, Ecuador's journey has been shaped by cocoa and banana booms, Eloy Alfaro's historic railway, oil in the Amazon, and a major banking crisis. You can explore the country's modern history firsthand at the Museo de la Ciudad in Quito.
Kisses from us!
Mathilde and Tristan
Equateur
Colonial Quito: baroque art, golden churches, and the spirit of independence
From the Spanish conquest in 1534 to the Battle of Pichincha in 1822, discover Quito's colonial history at the City Museum. You'll explore stunning Baroque churches, the unique Escuela Quiteña art movement, the historic textile workshops known as obrajes, and the city's historic first cry for independence.
Kisses from us!
Mathilde and Tristan
Equateur
Shrunken heads and Amazonian tribes: Pumapungo Museum in Cuenca
Discover the fascinating history of tsantsas (shrunken heads), Amazonian tribes, and Inca ruins at the Pumapungo Museum in Cuenca, Ecuador. With 10,794 ethnographic artifacts, it offers an incredible window into the Shuar worldview and ancestral rituals.
Kisses from us!
Mathilde and Tristan
Blog: Our stories that could inspire you