Prometheus Cave: How to Get There and What to Consider Before Your Visit

Prometheus Cave is the largest cave in Georgia. Water has carved numerous channels through the limestone massifs, creating a network of caves with many passages and chambers. The total length of the cave system reaches 22 km, containing 17 chambers. 

However, only a 1.4 km section (6 chambers) is accessible to tourists, situated 20-40 meters below sea level. Visitors can also enjoy a boat ride along the underground river. The walking tour takes about an hour, while the boat ride lasts approximately 15 minutes.

Tourists enjoy exploring and taking photos against the backdrop of stalactites and stalagmites, beautifully illuminated by colorful lights that change constantly. Within the cave, you can see an underground waterfall and even a lake. 

Classical music plays in the chambers, enhancing the majestic atmosphere of this remarkable natural wonder. In the summer, the cave offers a cool retreat from the heat, maintaining a constant temperature of around 14 degrees Celsius.

Prometheus Cave was discovered by a group of speleologists in 1983. At that time, it was named Kumistavi, after the river that flows through the cave. After its initial exploration, plans were made to develop it into a tourist attraction, and work began on its enhancement. 

By 1990, everything was ready except the information center; however, the project stalled due to the political changes during the perestroika period.

It wasn’t until 2007 that specialists from abroad were invited to assess the grotto and provide recommendations for improving its accessibility for tourists. This marked a revival of the project. Following the advice of these foreign experts, colorful lighting and soft classical music were added to enhance the cave’s atmosphere. Finally, in 2011, Prometheus Cave was officially opened to visitors.

According to legend, the Greek hero Prometheus taught humanity how to create fire, which angered the gods. As punishment, he was chained to a rock in the Caucasus Mountains. Interestingly, there are Georgian counterparts to this legend, such as the myths of Abrskila (from Abkhazia) and Amirani (from Georgia). These heroes were also punished for their misdeeds, but instead of being chained to rocks, they were confined deep within a cave. For example, Amirani was bound to a cave wall where an eagle would come to peck at his liver, while his dog licked the chains in a desperate attempt to free him.

Both legends share a common theme: the hero suffers for their virtue and is bound by chains. Although the cave could have been named after Amirani, “Prometheus Cave” is more recognizable in the international tourism market. Locally, it is sometimes referred to as “Tskhaltubo Cave,” since it is located just 6 km from the well-known resort town of Tskhaltubo in Georgia.

Access to Prometheus Cave is only available through guided tours organized by the administrative center. Tours are offered in three languages: Georgian, English, and Russian. There isn’t a fixed schedule; instead, tours start when enough participants have gathered, considering the completion of the previous group’s visit.

Tours in Georgian tend to be more frequent, so if you want to avoid a long wait, you might consider joining a Georgian group. While waiting for your tour to begin, you can relax in the information center, which is air-conditioned. You can spend your time exploring informational displays or browsing the souvenir shop.

During the tour, you’ll explore six chambers, with the tallest reaching 20 meters high. The guide typically allows about five minutes for visitors to take in each chamber, which is plenty of time for sightseeing and taking photos. Transitions between chambers occur via a concrete pathway, and you may need to go up or down some stairs along the way.

Over the course of an hour, you’ll be able to admire the illuminated stalactites and stalagmites. The lighting makes these natural formations look even more stunning. It’s fascinating to observe them, come up with associations, or simply enjoy the incredible variety of shapes.

In the final chamber, you can extend your visit with a boat ride along the underground flow of the Kumistavi River. Be sure to purchase your boat ticket in advance when paying for your tour. After exiting the cave, transportation will be waiting to take you back to the information center. As you leave, don’t miss the sculpture of a man with a dog; he dedicated many years to guarding the cave entrance on his own initiative.

The temperature inside the cave is a cool 14 degrees Celsius, so it’s a good idea to bring a light sweater. In the summer, many tourists wear t-shirts to cool off after being outside in the heat.

Make sure to wear shoes with non-slip soles, as the concrete pathways in the cave can be wet and slippery due to moisture and dripping water.

Keep an eye on your children and don’t let them wander off, as there are some areas without guardrails where they could fall. Officially, entry is prohibited for children under six, but this rule is often overlooked.

From Personal Experience

As you enter the cave, you’ll immediately notice a shift in temperature and humidity. It can feel eerie at first, as you step into a completely different world that may seem unfamiliar. The sensation can even send shivers down your spine. Some visitors may feel anxious knowing they are underground within a massive rock formation, so those with claustrophobia or other phobias might find it uncomfortable. The caves are also home to many sleeping bats.

This place is definitely worth a visit for those seeking adventure and wanting to admire nature’s unspoiled beauty.

Foreign visitors aged 18 and over: 23 GEL

Residents of Georgia aged 18 and over: 11.5 GEL

Boat ride for foreign visitors: 17.25 GEL; for residents: 11.5 GEL

Children’s ticket (ages 6-18): 5.5 GEL

For newlyweds, there is an option to hold a wedding ceremony in the Hall of Love for 115 GEL.

Check the prices here.

Operating Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Closed on: Mondays

The easiest way to reach Prometheus Cave is from Kutaisi (or Tskhaltubo). The drive from the center of Kutaisi takes about 40 minutes, covering a distance of 15-20 km.

Tourists also visit the cave from Batumi, which is approximately 140 km away and takes around 3 hours to drive, and from Tbilisi, which is about 240 km away and requires about 3.5 to 4 hours of travel. Since exploring the cave takes about 2 hours, it’s convenient to combine your visit with other attractions in Imereti for a more enriching day.

Book One-Day Trip from Batumi to Martvili Canyon and Prometheus Cave

Travel Time: Approximately 1.5 hours, including waiting time

You can take a marshrutka (minibus) from Kutaisi, which departs every half hour from the station near the Red Bridge or the bus station next to McDonald’s. The ride to Tskhaltubo takes about 30 minutes and costs 3 GEL. From Tskhaltubo, you’ll need to transfer to another marshrutka that goes directly to Prometheus Cave, which costs an additional 2 GEL and takes another 30 minutes.

Pros:

• This is the most affordable way to reach Prometheus Cave.

Cons:

• It can be inconvenient to get to the bus station in Kutaisi if you’re staying in the city center.
• Transfers are required, which adds complexity to your journey.
• Marshrutkas are often crowded, making for a cramped ride.
• You may have to wait if there isn’t enough space or if a marshrutka leaves just before you arrive.

• Travel Time: About 40 minutes
• Cost: Starting at $10 (around 27 GEL one way)

You can book a taxi through an app. However, returning might be tricky since the driver won’t wait for you. If you order a one-way taxi through an app, the driver won’t be there during your visit, so you’ll have to take a marshrutka back with a transfer in Tskhaltubo or find a local driver for your return (which may cost significantly more).

Pros:

• Shorter travel time compared to marshrutkas.
• No need to wait for departure.
• More space for comfort compared to crowded marshrutkas.

Cons:

• More expensive than public transport.
• You have no control over which vehicle arrives, and its condition may vary.
• Some taxi drivers may smoke in the car and can be overly chatty.

• Travel Time: About 40 minutes
• Cost: $30-$50 per day (80-135 GEL) + approximately $10 for fuel round trip (2024 prices)

The selection of rental cars in Kutaisi is not as extensive as in Tbilisi.

Cons:

• You may be asked for a deposit.
• You cannot guarantee the car’s full technical reliability (tourists often report issues with headlights, batteries, etc.).
• More expensive than taking a marshrutka or taxi.

Pros:

• You can choose a vehicle that suits your needs.
• Relatively safe if you follow traffic rules and drive carefully in mountainous areas.
• You can make stops along the way to visit canyons or Sataplia Park.
• Enjoy a comfortable journey with friends or family around Kutaisi.

• Travel Time: About 40 minutes
• Cost: Starting at $24 (65 GEL) round trip (Kutaisi – Prometheus Cave – Kutaisi). You can also book transfers from other cities in Georgia; check prices for your desired date on their website.

GoTrip service offers experienced and friendly local drivers who drives safely. You can choose a vehicle based on engine type, body style, and other parameters. Just book it online and specify when and where you want to be picked up. The driver will take you to Prometheus Cave, and if you wish, you can continue your trip to nearby attractions (Martvili Canyon, Okatse Kanion, or Waterfall Kinchka).

Book a transfer Kutaisi – Prometheus Cave – Kutaisi

Pros:

• Punctuality (the driver arrives at the time you specified when booking).
• Fixed pricing for the trip.
• The driver can make stops upon request; waiting time is included in the fare; they do not smoke in the car and are trained in customer service.
• No penalty if you decide to cancel your booking.

Cons:

• More expensive than taking a marshrutka, but you won’t need to pay extra for the return trip; costs can be shared with friends.

Prometheus Cave is a unique natural wonder in Georgia that is definitely worth visiting. May your trip be filled with positive experiences!