Prometheus Cave is highly popular among tourists, and it can get crowded during the peak season. This karst cave is incredibly beautiful and located near the mineral water resort of Tskhaltubo. Visiting Kumistavi (another name for the cave) will provide you with a lot of positive impressions.
History
The cave was discovered by a group of speleologists in 1983. Initially, it was explored, and two years later, it was decided to develop it as a tourist attraction. However, the work on creating routes continued until the early 1990s but remained unfinished. Only in 2007, the preparation of Kumistavi was remembered and completed with the help of foreign specialists. The name of the cave was coined by the former president, Mikhail Saakashvili. In 2011, the cave was finally opened to visitors.
Features of the Karst Cave
Every year, many tourists gather here to admire the space-like beauty of stalagmites and stalactites inside the cave, which is divided into large halls.
The cave also features underground lakes, one of which can be explored by boat, and a river.
The cave is filled with life, hosting bats, millipedes, beetles, spiders, crickets, and salamanders. However, during the excursion, you are unlikely to see them. Many travelers come to this region for therapeutic purposes, as it is believed that the cave's air is healing, enriched with beneficial minerals, and has a positive effect on the respiratory system.
Visiting Prometheus Cave on your own is not possible as it is protected as a natural monument. The guided tours are conducted in English, Georgian, and Russian languages.
The excursion will be interesting for both adults and children. The only drawback is the large number of tourists, which can cause the guides to be rushed and the tour to be somewhat disorganized. Here are some tips to make the most of your visit:
If you want to learn more about the cave without rushing behind the tour guide, you can rent an audio guide for 7 GEL.
There is also an option to hire a VIP guide, but it will cost you 100 GEL. This option is suitable for larger groups (up to ten people).
Prometheus Cave is well-equipped for guided tour groups. The halls are illuminated, and there is background music playing.
For those who enjoy extreme adventures, there is an opportunity to visit the undeveloped Melouri Cave and take a boat ride along the underground river.
Program
The tour begins once a sufficient number of people have gathered, so you may have to wait until the group is formed before entering the cave. It is best to wait in the administrative building, which is equipped with air conditioning and features a museum and a souvenir shop where you can pass the time until the group is ready.
The cave stretches for a total of eleven kilometers, but only 1420 meters are open to tourists. However, this is enough for travelers to experience a great deal of emotions.
During the one-hour tour, visitors explore six halls, each with varying heights of up to twenty-one meters. There are occasional descents and ascents using stairs.
In the last hall, there is an option to take a boat ride out of the cave, but this service is not available at all times. If the boat is operational, some tourists who have paid for the service will be transported by boat, while others will exit on foot.
Upon exiting the cave, visitors are picked up by a small train (included in the ticket price) that takes them to the parking area near the entrance. Make sure not to fall behind, as if there are many tourists, there may not be enough space in the train, and you may have to stand on the footboard.
Interesting fact! Next to the cave, on the right side, there is a statue of a man with a dog. It is said to have been installed in honor of a person who voluntarily guarded the cave for a long time.
Rules of Conduct in the Cave
The following rules apply in the cave:
No flash photography;
Do not fall behind the group;
Make stops only when everyone else stops;
No video recording.
Be prepared for the guide constantly urging everyone to keep moving and discouraging spending too much time on photography, so patience is advised.
Traveler Tips
The air temperature in Kumistavi is around +14 °C. There can be a significant temperature difference, so bring warm clothing;
Wear comfortable footwear as the paths in the cave can be wet and slippery;
Hold children's hands as a reminder that it can be slippery in the cave, and the underground lakes and river do not have barriers;
Children under 6 years old are not officially allowed according to the rules, but you can try to arrange an exception at the reception.
Prometheus Cave evokes a romantic and serene atmosphere. You will definitely enjoy it.
Useful Tip! Combine your trip to Prometheus Cave with a visit to the Sataplia Nature Reserve, which is located nearby. Remember that Monday is a day off for both Prometheus Cave and Sataplia Nature Reserve. Tour companies often do not inform visitors about this. Therefore, it is better to go on the trip with a guide or by car.
Cave Schedule and Prices
The duration of the tour is approximately one hour.
Ticket prices:
Opening hours:
From November to April - 10:00 to 17:00;
From May to August - 10:00 to 18:00;
From September to October - 10:00 to 17:30.
Inside the cave, there is a "Hall of Love" where you can have a wedding ceremony for 100 GEL.
How to Get There
We recommend combining your trip to the Prometheus Cave with a visit to the Martvili Canyon and Sataplia Cave. Yes, it will take a lot of time, but it's worth it.
The most convenient way to reach the cave is by joining an organized tour. It is cost-effective and convenient, allowing you to see many attractions in a short time.
You can reach the Prometheus Cave from different cities in Georgia:
From Batumi, which is about 140 kilometers away. The journey will take approximately 3 hours.
If you are coming from Tbilisi, the journey will take longer, around 4 hours.
For tourists staying in Kutaisi, you are the luckiest as it will only take you 40 minutes to reach the cave.
Car Rental
The roads are in good condition, so it is safe to drive. There is a parking lot near the administrative building with twenty parking spaces.
Private Car with Driver
You can hire a car with a driver to take you from Tsqaltubo or Kutaisi for 50 GEL. If you want to explore more places and have a full-day tour, the price would be around 250 GEL.
Public Transportation
First, travel to Kutaisi. From there, you need to get to Tsqaltubo, which takes about half an hour by minibus (costs 1 GEL).
