At the end of the indigenous trail, Vereda de Palma, hikers can enjoy a spectacular view that overlooks the valley, 2,597m above sea level. This spot, Piedra Galana, is well-loved for its ecological & historical value.

This trail is on the western fringe of the valley, on the same side as Comuna 13.

Unfortunately, on the 27th of Feb, this popular spot was the scene of a mass robbery. As a large group of hikers ascended the trail, they were ‘politely’ intercepted and subdued by a group of 3 delinquents, uniformly dressed in all black. They were then ordered to sit down before being individually threatened and robbed of their possessions.

According to a witness account, the tight path of the trail required them to walk in a single line before being ‘politely’ intercepted. Soon after, they were relinquished of all their possessions, which included phones, watches and backpacks.

The information provided from sources varies; it is unconfirmed whether the entirety of the group was robbed or if some made it through unscathed. Likewise, we still don’t know how many individuals were actually involved in the hike.

According to various sources though, this number may be close to 100. Regardless, it is a harrowing event.

Even more distressing is that due to the seclusion of the area, the perpetrators had ample time to carry out the robbery.

UPDATE: According to Minuto 30 – there were 15 victims involved in the robbery, falling short of the 100 believed initially. They state that the hike was trailed by some 100 hikers, consisting of various groups of 10-15. It was the first two groups that were involved in the ordeal. 

It was thanks to the knee-jerk response of a guide, who threw their phone into a bush, that they could later inform the other groups doing the same route.