Hello, I was debating between basing in Puerto Natales vs in Torres Del Paine Park for our four day stay there. We will have a minivan as we are 6 people, so I'm worried about availability of gas. Is it a hardship to drive back and forth to the park everyday? We plan on some hikes. Any suggestions for easier hikes would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your help.

The drive from Puerto Natales to the Laguna Amarga entrance to the park takes roughly two hours, but the park is huge and getting to somewhere inside the park can add a lot onto that time. However, finding somewhere to stay inside the park, or even close by outside the park, during the present season would be a challenge. Even campsites should be booked ahead.

Thank you for your response. There doesn't seem to be any choice left inside the park. Plus I was worried about getting gas for our vehicle.

If you already know everything inside the park is sold out, I'm not sure why you asked.

If you haven't already tried Vertice Patagonia and Fantastico Sur,it might be worth checking with them.

The hike from Paine Grande to the French Valley isn't too bad but I would recommend an overnight at Paine Grande.

If you take a tour along the south side of the lakes, the hike out to the Glacier viewpoint along the gravel spit if the weather is good.

There might be some expensive lodgings on the south side just outside the park, a bit closer than Puerto Natales.

If you wind up in Natales, check out the excursion on the Turismo 21 de Mayo, if they still have that...easier than walking!

Thank you mlgb, I will look into your recommendations.