Prometheus cave is one of the interesting places I have visited lately in Georgia. In fact that's the second cave I have visited here. The first one is called Sataplia Cave. In case you are into caves and speleology I recommend to visit both of them.
Prometheus cave is located some 20km from Kutaisi in village Kumistavi (Tskaltubo Municipality), and if you are arriving to this lovely city - I can only recommend include Prometheus cave in your itinerary while being in these parts of Georgia.
And that's how it actually happened last time I were here - my mom arrived to visit me in Georgia through Kutasi international airport, and I immediately took here to the Prometheus cave. If you don't have a friend to pick you up in Georgia, take a look on these Kutaisi hotels to book your stay and arrange a tour guide from your hotel (It's ridiculously easy to arrange tours in Georgia, ask any taxi and he will take you there for some 20 lari, or you can even get there by minibus for some 1 GEL)
Prometheus cave visitor centre
You can buy your tickets here. Price for a regular walk in group accompanied by guide - 7 GEL, you can pay extra 7 GEL and end your tour by sailing in the boat in underground lake (river).
The total length of tourist trail inside the cave is about 1060 meters which you can choose to be accompanied by English or Russian/Georgian speaking guide.
Light decorated limestones inside Prometheus cave
I wish I would knew more about speleology so I could better explain what you can actually expect at Prometheus cave. Limestone? I don't know where I got such word from. Anyway it's lovely lightened inside the cave, so you will at least find lovely light patterns playing on the rocks.
Speaking of inside photography, I was hoping to use tripod, but it's forbidden to use a tripod inside cave (it's narrow, and somebody, perhaps can break your neck, because it's pretty dark inside), no flashlights as well (as I was informed by our tour guide). I switched my DSLR camera to manual mode, enter auto ISO, and started to photography, honestly speaking I'm surprised of seeing how good the results is. Who said Higher ISO is bad? (Ok, I actually know one huy who said this to me). Lear more about my photography experiments: Digital Photography school
Stalactites inside Prometheus cave
A stalactite is an icicle-shaped formation that hangs from the ceiling of a cave, and is produced by precipitation of minerals from water dripping through the cave ceiling.
Stalactites inside Prometheus cave near Kutaisi
Stalactites inside Prometheus Cave
Amazing light patterns
Prometheus cave in Kumtivisi (near Kutaisi)
I made a HDR photography from this, take a look on it on my Flickr account
Now if you have bought additional ticket for another 7 GEL, you can take a short (280 meter) boat sail in underground river of Prometheus cave
Boat dock at Prometheus cave
From here you will be taken with a minibus to the start of your journey (Visitor center building)
The Bottom Line
Prometheus cave in Kumtavisi village (close to Kutaisi) is just another superb tourist attraction place in Georgia. Make sure you don't miss it.
More about Prometheus Cave
Info from http://kutaisi.gov.ge/eng/news/id/98
Location – Sub-horizontal,
- general direction – South West
- Number of Halls – more than 15
- Length of Tourist route in the cave – 1060 m.
- Maximum height – 21 m. Air temperature – 15-17
- Water temperature 13-14
“Prometheus” cave is one of the richest caves of Europe. It is characterized by the variety of underground rivers and beautiful landscapes. Golden Fleece cave meets all needs of international tourism level. Walking route for tourists is 1060 m. Also tourist will sail by boats in underground lake (280m) In nearby territories where there are other caves speleological tours can be organized. The total length of these caves is 15 555 m.
- Tours for those who are interested in extreme tours and can be organized.
- One day route on foot/by horses can be organized (6 km). Tourists can walk in forests, visit complex of caves.
- Tourist camps can be organized on the territory