Towards the Little Island across the Woods

Step by Step across the Bandurrias

As the trail went up and down and we got deep into the woods, we gradually discovered the magic of a place where the green cypresses and roble pellín mingles with the orange amancays and other summer flowers.

We were feeling hot but it was necessary to walk a little farther. We crossed the access gate where the Mapuche residents charged us an access fee. It was at this very spot where we learned that we could buy some tortas fritas and sodas from the locals.

We started to go downhill and crossed several melt water threads. We knew the shore was close: La Islita lies 5 kilometers away from the downtown.

As we reached the small sandy beach in Trompul, our first impulse was to drop our backpacks, get barefoot, take off our sweatshirts and get into the water, which welcomed us with its usual cold temperature. We were there and the best was yet to come. A good dive every time we felt hot was awaiting and we still had to cover the 10 meters that separate La Islita from the continent as many times as we wished.

The famous little island is small and steep, with a higher area that features a good view of Mount Abanico (Spanish word for ’fan’) on the opposite shore of the lake and the entire Chapelco Mountain Range.

In the summer, swimmers must dare to cross towards La Islita and enjoy a small adventure that will remain forever in their spirit. This is a space for youth also visited by grown-ups.