De Sacs et d'Eau
One day, we decided to leave. Everything else gets written here, and on the road!
Welcome to De Sacs et d'Eau
We're Tristan and Mathilde. A French duo who set off for a year of backpacking across South America, with one simple belief: the best memories are built along the way.
De Sacs et d'Eau is our travel blog. Complete guides, itineraries tested on the ground, and interactive maps to help you plan your trip with everything you need, straight from your pocket.
To do that, we favour overland travel over flying, buy local, and choose accommodation and businesses run by locals. Travelling far, yes - but staying mindful of our impact.
Discover our free travel guides!
Before you pack your backpack to go explore a new city somewhere in the world, we've put together guides to the best spots!
Our tips to help you prepare your trip
From choosing the right backpack to tips for surviving a night bus, including the essentials you shouldn't forget before leaving.
Checklist & Supplies
How can you best prepare before setting off on a long trip? From paperwork and travel insurance to your health and gear!
Getting to Chichén Itzá from Valladolid
Visit Chichén Itzá independently using these 3 simple, tried-and-tested modes of transport!
How to meet locals while traveling?
How do you meet people on the road and make real connections? Here is our take on the best apps and off-the-beaten-path destinations. Plus, our favorite tips for connecting with locals and travelers alike while backpacking, or simply making the most of your trip to meet new people.
What are the health essentials to prepare before a trip?
Health is an essential pillar of any journey. When we travel far from home, sometimes for several months, anticipating our medical needs becomes essential. From health assessments, mandatory vaccinations, and more, here is a complete guide to travel with peace of mind.
Currently, we are
in MexicoSince we set off, we've mostly been crossing the world by bus, boat, train and on foot. Not out of necessity, but by choice. We want to cover every kilometre to discover this planet we love without slowly wearing it down - travelling without planes means admiring more scenery, supporting local businesses, meeting more people, and putting a little less carbon into the atmosphere. We only fly when there's truly no alternative, never out of convenience.
25+ countries crossed | 50,000+ km overland | Flights kept to a strict minimum | 70+ guides published
Follow this adventure day by day through our stories: local traditions, night-bus mishaps, market kitchens, and landscapes that change everything.
Our stories from this journey
Travelling also means collecting memories that stay with you. We've learned from local guides, been stunned by a breathtaking landscape, and discovered cultures we knew nothing about. We share our adventures, our favourite moments and our discoveries to inspire your next departure.
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. | Our travel guide, specially crafted by De Sacs et d’Eau
Ecuador
17 Sep 2026
Kisses from us!Mathilde et Tristan
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. | Our travel guide, specially crafted by De Sacs et d’Eau
Ecuador
17 Sep 2026
Kisses from us!Mathilde et Tristan
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! | Our travel guide, specially crafted by De Sacs et d’Eau
Peru
17 Sep 2026
Kisses from us!Mathilde et Tristan
Is São Paulo dangerous to visit?
Our impressions of the largest city in the Southern Hemisphere! | Our travel guide, specially crafted by De Sacs et d’Eau
Brasil
17 Sep 2026
Kisses from us!Mathilde et Tristan
Is Santos worth a visit? Finding the sweet spot under Brazil’s cloudy skies
Santos was our first real stop after the crossing. We spent three relaxing days in São Vicente, up on the 10th floor, perched right on Illa Porchat. | Our travel guide, specially crafted by De Sacs et d’Eau
Brasil
17 Sep 2026
Kisses from us!Mathilde et Tristan
What is there to do in Búzios, the shining pearl of the Brazilian coast?
Bright sunshine, colorful alleyways, tropical greenery—everything here simply breathes warmth and light. | Our travel guide, specially crafted by De Sacs et d’Eau
Brasil
17 Sep 2026
Kisses from us!Mathilde et Tristan
Salvador de Bahia, our first steps in Brazil
This was our very first stop on the South American continent. After six days at sea, Salvador de Bahia was finally in sight! | Our travel guide, specially crafted by De Sacs et d’Eau
Brasil
17 Sep 2026
Kisses from us!Mathilde et Tristan
The Cyclades: history and culture of a legendary archipelago
History of the Cyclades in Greece: the ancient Cycladic civilization, iconic marble figurines, the sacred island of Delos, volcanic Santorini, Venetian rule, and a unique island culture. It is the fascinating story of an archipelago that shaped the world. | Our travel guide, specially crafted by De Sacs et d’Eau
Greece
17 Sep 2026
Kisses from us!Mathilde et Tristan