Martvili Canyon and Hanged Bridges of Okatse

Exploring Georgia’s Natural Wonders: Martvili Canyon and Okatse Hanged Bridges Tour

This full-day guided trip from Kutaisi offers an exciting look into some of Georgia’s most captivating natural sites. For just about $32, you’ll spend around nine hours visiting Martvili Canyon, Okatse Canyon, and Prometheus Cave, with highlights like a boat ride through dramatic cliffs and a walk across the famous hanging bridges. Your guide will be a local expert, making the experience both informative and engaging, all while traveling comfortably in an air-conditioned minivan.

What we love about this tour is how accessible it makes some of Georgia’s most impressive landscapes. First, the boat ride at Martvili Canyon gives you a close-up perspective of waterfalls and towering cliffs that simply can’t be appreciated from a walk alone. Plus, the hanging bridges at Okatse Canyon offer a thrilling way to see the canyon from above, with the added option of an off-road vehicle if walking isn’t your thing.

One thing to consider is that admission fees are not included, so you’ll want to bring some extra cash for entry tickets. Also, the walking involved can be moderate to strenuous—about 6 km at Okatse and some uneven trails—so this trip suits those with a reasonable level of fitness.

This tour is ideal for travelers who appreciate natural scenery, enjoy gentle adventure, and want a guided, hassle-free way to see Georgia’s outdoors without renting a car. If you’re keen on learning about local landscapes in the company of a knowledgeable guide, this trip hits the spot.

Key Points

• Convenient round-trip transport from Kutaisi in a small, comfortable minivan
• Unique experiences like boat rides through Martvili Canyon and walking across hanging bridges at Okatse
• Multiple sites including Prometheus Cave and abandoned sanatoriums in Tskaltubo, offering diverse sights
• Guided tours with professional guides who enrich your understanding of Georgia’s natural and cultural landscape
• Cost-effective at around $32, with optional extra fees for entrance tickets and off-road vehicle upgrades
• Moderate physical activity involved, suitable for travelers with reasonable fitness levels

A Detailed Look at What You Can Expect

The Journey Begins in Kutaisi

Start your day at Kutaisi Central Square, a lively hub of activity and the perfect meeting point. From here, your guide will collect your group, usually limited to around 10 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience. The comfortable minivan will whisk you through the city, with a quick pass by the Parliament building—an interesting reminder of Georgia’s political landscape—before heading into the countryside.

Okatse Canyon and Hanging Bridges

Your first major stop is Okatse Canyon, renowned for its hanged bridges that stretch across the canyon itself. These structures are quite the feat of engineering—900 meters long—and provide breathtaking views. The walk to the bridges covers about 2.5 km, with the entire visit lasting roughly three hours including some walking and sightseeing.

If walking 6 km isn’t your thing, for an extra 15 Euro, you can opt for an off-road vehicle that takes you directly to the bridges, waits for you during your visit, and then returns you safely. This flexibility means the experience can be tailored to different comfort levels, appealing to families, older travelers, or those with limited mobility.

Martvili Canyon and Its Waterfalls

Next, the tour moves on to Martvili Canyon, a spectacular gorge carved by a river, dotted with waterfalls that are close enough to touch. The highlight here is the boat ride, which offers a perfect opportunity to glide along calm waters, admiring the cliffs towering above. The boat ride lasts about an hour, and while tickets are not included in the tour price, many visitors find the extra expense worthwhile for the scenery and tranquility.

Prometheus Cave: Georgia’s Hidden Treasure

A visit to Prometheus Cave adds a touch of adventure and wonder. As one of Georgia’s largest caves, it features impressive stalactites and stalagmites, with well-lit pathways guiding you through its chambers. Expect about an hour exploring, with the potential for stunning photos and a sense of awe as you walk through this underground marvel.

Tskaltubo: Soviet-Era Ruins

The tour wraps up with a quick stop in Tskaltubo, famous for its abandoned Soviet sanatoriums and pools. This area offers insight into Georgia’s recent history and the legacy of Soviet architecture. It’s a free stop, perfect for those interested in a bit of urban decay and nostalgic architecture.

Authentic Experiences and Practical Tips

Guided insights are a key part of this tour. As numerous reviewers have noted, guides like David bring a wealth of local knowledge, making each site come alive with stories and context. One traveler described their guide as “so knowledgeable and lovely,” underscoring how much local guides can enhance your understanding of Georgia’s landscapes and history.

Transport quality is another highlight. The minivan is air-conditioned, comfortable, and small enough to provide a friendly, intimate atmosphere. This setup ensures you’re not lost in a crowd and get to enjoy the scenery without the distraction of large coach buses.

Timing is well thought out, with most stops lasting about an hour or two, giving you enough time to explore without feeling rushed. However, weather can affect the experience—heavy rains recently caused some sites to close temporarily, as one reviewer lamented. The tour operator mentions that such closures are rare and outside their control, so a little flexibility is needed.

Cost considerations include entrance fees, which are not included in the $32.27 tour price. These fees vary by site, so budget accordingly. The value here lies in the convenience of having transport, a guide, and a well-organized itinerary, saving you the hassle of planning each stop on your own.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

If you love outdoor scenery, want a guided experience that covers multiple sites in a day, and appreciate local insights, this tour offers very good value. It’s especially suitable if you’re not keen on renting a car and prefer to travel in a small group. The moderate walking involved makes it accessible for most travelers with reasonable fitness levels, but those with mobility issues should consider the off-road vehicle option at Okatse.

Travelers who enjoyed experiences with knowledgeable guides and value comfort and ease will find this trip rewarding. The diversity of sites—from waterfalls and canyons to underground caves and Soviet-era ruins—provides a well-rounded glimpse of Georgia’s natural and cultural landscape.

On the downside, weather can influence the experience, so it’s wise to plan for potential site closures or delays. Also, keep in mind that entrance fees are additional, so budget for those. But overall, it’s a memorable day trip that balances adventure, nature, and history, giving you a taste of Georgia’s stunning outdoors without the stress of self-driven travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to bring my own entrance fees?
Yes, entrance tickets are not included in the tour price, so you’ll need to budget extra for sites like Martvili Canyon, Okatse Canyon, and Prometheus Cave.

How long is the walking involved?
You can expect about 6 km of walking spread across the different stops. The walk at Okatse Canyon is around 2.5 km, with some uneven trails. The off-road vehicle option can shorten your walking time if needed.

Is this tour suitable for children or older travelers?
Yes, but keep in mind the walks are moderate in length. The off-road vehicle option at Okatse is helpful for those who prefer to avoid walking. The small group size and guided nature make it family-friendly.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable shoes suitable for walking are recommended. Depending on the weather, bring water, a hat, and possibly a light rain jacket. Bottled water is provided.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Poor weather can lead to cancellation or rescheduling, so check the forecast and communicate with your guide if unsure.

Are there any food options included?
No, meals are not included, but you might find opportunities to buy lunch during the day, especially at Tskaltubo. The cave visit also offers some snack options.

This tour offers a balanced mix of natural beauty, light adventure, and cultural insights. It’s a smart choice for travelers looking to see some of Georgia’s top outdoor sights comfortably and with expert guidance. Whether you’re a nature lover or someone eager to learn about local landscapes, this trip provides plenty of memorable moments—just be prepared for a bit of walking and the weather’s whims.