Embark on a Prometheus Cave Tour, a thrilling adventure deep below the Earth’s surface.. The journey begins with the anticipation of stepping into the unknown, guided only by the glow of cave formations and the echoes of subterranean wonders. As you descend, the darkness wraps around you like a mystical cloak, revealing nature’s artistry in the play of shadows and ethereal formations.
Where to Start
Generally, the easiest way to start the journey is to take a public transport from Kutaisi. Minibus stop is located at the red bridge from the Restaurant Magnolia side. They dispatch every —- minutes and costs —–. After a 20 minute drive, minibus reaches the station in the City of Tskaltubo (Once famous Soviet Spa Resort). And from there, another minibus takes you directly to Prometheus cave in 10 minutes. It dispatches every — minutes and costs — gel.
Most comfortable and enjoyable way to visit the Cave is to join our Canyon and Cave Tour
As mentioned above, on the way to Prometheus cave you pass Tskaltubo city. This city become well known for its abandoned Sanatoriums of Soviet Time. On the way back you may visit some of them enjoy unique architectural marvel of Soviet Epoch. Guide to exploring Soviet Sanatoriums.
Services Offered
Prometheus Cave is located in Tskaltubo municipality, village Kumistavi. In this Natural wonder there are 22 halls in total, but only 6 of them are open for travellers (walking distance is 1,300 meters). Prometheus Cave has its own guided tours. The interval of departure varies from season to season, specifically In high season (April-October) every 15-20 minutes, In a low season 40-50 minutes. So, you may need to plan accordingly. 2 kind of tickets are available. Main ticket for a walking tour – takes 1 hour, and optional ticket for a boat ride – takes 15 minutes.
Must be remembered, that boats are not available after rain as the water level rises. The start of every tour is announced via loudspeakers (starting time is mentioned on your ticket). The guide waits for visitors in the pavilion, where brief information about the cave is presented. And one hour mystical journey begins…
Working Hours: December-January – February 10:00 – 17:00. March and November 10:00 – 17:30. In the period of April – October 10:00-18:00.
Boat Voyage Across the Abyss:
The highlight of the Prometheus Cave journey is the serene boat ride across the mysterious underground lake. Gliding on crystal-clear waters, you’ll witness reflections of ancient formations mirrored on the lake’s surface. The boatman’s expertise guides you through winding passages, adding a touch of magic to the adventure. The echoes of your whispers and the gentle ripple of the water create a symphony that resonates in the depths of the cave.
Boat-ride
When the walking route is finished, the guide leads you to the exit. Visitors holding a boat ticket are directed to the pier. Provided that, boats are electric and managed by local boatman, they are absolutely silent and quiet. Boat ride takes about 10 minutes and as you exit, bus stop appears in front of you. Shortly afterwards, the company buses take you back to the visitor center.
Glimpses of the Subterranean Canvas:
As you venture deeper into Prometheus Cave, the first encounter with its unique formations feels like stumbling upon nature’s secret art studio. The stalactites, hanging like delicate chandeliers, showcase a palette of hues from ivory white to amber gold. These mineral masterpieces, formed drop by drop over centuries, paint the cave’s interior with a rich tapestry of colors. Each turn reveals a new stroke of nature’s brush, creating a mesmerizing canvas below the Earth’s surface.
The Symphony of Illumination:
While sunlight doesn’t penetrate the depths of Prometheus Cave, the play of artificial light adds a touch of theatrical brilliance to the formations. Strategically placed lights cast shadows and highlights, turning the stalactites and stalagmites into performers in a subterranean ballet. The dance of light and darkness enhances the visual spectacle, allowing visitors to witness the cave’s ever-changing moods and expressions.
Embarking on the Subterranean Odyssey:
For the intrepid souls ready to embark on a subterranean adventure, Prometheus Cave awaits with its mystical allure. Before delving into the underground wonders, consider the practical aspects of planning your exploration. Begin with choosing suitable attire – comfortable shoes and layered clothing to adapt to the cave’s temperature (14-15 yearround). It’s not just a journey; it’s a spelunking fashion statement!
Capturing Memories in the Abyss:
As you traverse the cave’s passages, don’t forget your trusty camera. Prometheus Cave is a visual feast, and every snapshot immortalizes a moment in this underground wonderland. Capture the interplay of light, the reflection on the underground lakes, and the intricate details of stalactites and stalagmites. Your photo album becomes a testament to your cave adventuring prowess.
Mastering Low-Light Techniques:
The cave’s darkness is your canvas, and mastering low-light photography techniques becomes your artistic arsenal. Begin with adjusting your camera settings – a lower ISO to minimize noise, wider aperture for more light, and a slower shutter speed to let in the cave’s ambient glow. Embrace the challenge of shooting in near darkness, and let your camera be the torchbearer of the cave’s hidden wonders.
Playing with Shadows and Highlights:
Prometheus Cave, with its intricate formations, casts captivating shadows and highlights. Use these natural contrasts to your advantage. Allow the play of light to sculpt the stalactites and stalagmites, creating dramatic compositions. Experiment with angles, and let the interplay of shadows and highlights tell a visual story of the cave’s geological narrative through your photographic lens.
Navigating the Reflections:
The underground lakes within Prometheus Cave add a reflective dimension to your photography adventure. Leverage the still waters to capture mirror-like reflections of the cave’s formations. Position yourself strategically, capturing both the stalactites above and their mirrored counterparts below. The juxtaposition of reality and reflection enhances the visual impact, transforming your photographs into captivating artworks.
Unlocking the Gates of Mythology:
As you venture into Prometheus Cave, you’re not just stepping into a geological wonder; you’re immersing yourself in a realm steeped in legends and lore. The cave’s name itself evokes the image of Prometheus, the mythical figure who brought fire to humanity. But within the depths of this subterranean masterpiece lie more tales waiting to be unveiled.
The Torchbearer’s Gift:
Legend has it that Prometheus, known for defying the gods, gifted humanity with the knowledge of fire. As you walk through the caverns, envision Prometheus as the torchbearer, illuminating the dark corridors and revealing the hidden wonders within. The stalactites and stalagmites, gleaming like embers, become remnants of Prometheus’s eternal flame.
Echoes of Orpheus:
Prometheus Cave echoes with the mythical melodies of Orpheus, the legendary musician. According to some accounts, Orpheus descended into the underworld, and his lyre-playing enchanted even the cold-hearted Hades. In the cave’s chambers, imagine the haunting melodies reverberating off the ancient walls, creating a symphony that transcends time and connects you to the mythical past.
