De Sacs et d'Eau
De Sacs et d'Eau
De Sacs et d'Eau
De Sacs et d'Eau
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.
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.
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
in Ecuador
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
in Ecuador
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
in Ecuador
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
in Ecuador
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
in Ecuador
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.
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
Peru
Peru, a country of true superlatives
From the Atacama Desert and tropical glaciers to the richest coastline in the world: here is what makes Peru truly exceptional, well beyond Machu Picchu. Discovered while hiking the Salkantay trek.
Kisses from us!
Mathilde and Tristan
Peru
Peru, a country of true superlatives
From the Atacama Desert and tropical glaciers to the richest coastline in the world: here is what makes Peru truly exceptional, well beyond Machu Picchu. Discovered while hiking the Salkantay trek.
Kisses from us!
Mathilde and Tristan
Peru
Peru, a country of true superlatives
From the Atacama Desert and tropical glaciers to the richest coastline in the world: here is what makes Peru truly exceptional, well beyond Machu Picchu. Discovered while hiking the Salkantay trek.
Kisses from us!
Mathilde and Tristan
Vicuna
Vicuña, the city of stars: an unexpected stopover
Observatories, museums, bike tours, and pisco: here is the lowdown on our stopover in Vicuña, a charming Chilean town tucked away between the mountains of the Elqui Valley. Includes practical tips, great places to eat and stay, and our recommended itinerary.
Kisses from us!
Mathilde and Tristan
Vicuna
Vicuña, the city of stars: an unexpected stopover
Observatories, museums, bike tours, and pisco: here is the lowdown on our stopover in Vicuña, a charming Chilean town tucked away between the mountains of the Elqui Valley. Includes practical tips, great places to eat and stay, and our recommended itinerary.
Kisses from us!
Mathilde and Tristan
Vicuna
Vicuña, the city of stars: an unexpected stopover
Observatories, museums, bike tours, and pisco: here is the lowdown on our stopover in Vicuña, a charming Chilean town tucked away between the mountains of the Elqui Valley. Includes practical tips, great places to eat and stay, and our recommended itinerary.
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.
Pérou
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!
Pérou
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.