Finding my bearings
Groceries and Tours for Days
My flight was adjusted again and so now I leave another day earlier. I won’t be arriving in Cartagena until dinner time mid week now. It’s always tough on arrival day for what to do when you don’t get there until dinner time. First thing is obviously checking into the accommodations and figuring out what you are going to eat for dinner.
I am not typically a fan of exploring a new city alone in the dark so it is unlikely that I will be checking things out upon arrival.Ā I do know there is a decent grocery store near my accommodations as well as a highly rated Shawarma place which is most likely what I will be eating for dinner.Ā I know exactly what you are thinking…but I am in Colombia so why eat Shawarma? I will tell you why! Because Shawarma is the best fast food option in all the land. Last year, when I was touring Spain, I truly struggled to find GREAT food and I often resorted to just eating a Shawarma which is always 100% guaranteed satisfaction. 
Upon Arrival
Step 1: Check In
I need to get my way from the airport to the accommodations. Rafael NĆŗƱez Airport (CTG) is just 3 km away from the city center of Cartagena, which is great news because it is so easy to get from the airport to the city!
By Taxi/Uber Taxis: From the airport to the city, taxis are usually quite affordable and safe but they are not metered so you need to agree upon a fare before getting in the taxi, otherwise you will get overcharged! Outside of the arrivals section at the Cartagena airport, there is a taxi price generator machine. Just input your address or accommodation name and it will print a receipt with the fixed rate that youāll have to pay. PRICE: COP 12,000 to COP 15,000 (US $3.50 to US$4.30) Licenced taxis in Cartagena are yellow and have a sticker that says āServicio PĆŗblicoā.
Upon Arrival
Step 2: Dinner & Snacks
Once I have settled into the accommodations, cleaned up a bit and secured my belongings…I will venture out to grab a few groceries and dinner. I only plan on getting enough groceries for some snack foods and breakfast the next morning.
The Shawarma place is about 3 blocks away and the grocery store (Carulla Express) is 2 blocks in the other direction. Then I will return to the accommodations and settle in for the evening. I will need to check in with everyone back home to confirm my safe arrival.
Day 1
Bazurto Local MarketĀ
My most favourite things to do when I visit a new city is to do any free walking tours I can find right away so that I can get my bearings and learn the lay of the land. Then find the best Cooking Classes by locals with local family recipes and authentic techniques. I think my friends back home appreciate this as well because they get to try the recipes when I return home.
So I registered for a Free tour of the Bazurto Market.Ā This way, I will be able to gather some more groceries that I will need for the week and explore the city on my way to the market. Then the rest of the day is at my disposal.
Day 2 & 3
GetsemanĆ & City CentroĀ
The next best thing to do is take more free tours to explore the city some more. I signed up for a free tour of the San Diego & Getsemani Neoughbourhoods for day 2 and on day 3 another free tour of the city centro. This should give me an advantage to my next two months living in Cartagena.
This will give me a couple of days to relax and explore before I start my work week.
Please note that I have not received these products for free or at a discounted price in exchange for my opinion.Ā There may be links that are affiliate links but at the time of posting this review, I have not received any monetary kickbacks.