In a recent episode of the travel show Universo Calleja, Jesús Calleja took a group of celebrities on an adventurous journey through Nepal, showcasing the breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage of the region. The episode aired on April 2, 2025, and featured notable personalities such as Ágatha Ruiz de la Prada, Antonio Orozco, Sandra Barneda, and Carlos Latre.
After an intense stay in the remote village of Samagaun, located at the foot of Manaslu, the group flew to Pokhara, a city known for its stunning views of the Himalayas. The journey included a thrilling ride on the world’s steepest zip line, where Barneda faced her fear of heights, descending at speeds of up to 140 km/h over a 600-meter drop.
During the episode, the group also visited significant cultural sites, including Swayambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple, and Pashupatinath, the most important Hindu temple in Nepal. They witnessed traditional rituals and experienced the local spirituality, culminating in the Aarti ceremony at Pashupatinath, where priests performed fire offerings accompanied by chanting and dance.
However, the adventure was not without its challenges. A flight to Lukla, known as one of the most dangerous airports in the world, was fraught with turbulence and fog, causing the group to land separately in the mountains. This unexpected turn of events added an element of suspense to their journey.
As the episode progressed, Barneda and Latre reflected on their experiences during their time on the show. Barneda, who is known for her role in La isla de las tentaciones, shared a particularly emotional moment from the reality show, revealing, "A contestant fainted during a bonfire upon seeing her partner kissing another contestant. That was..." This moment highlighted the intense emotional experiences participants face in reality television.
In her candid discussion with Calleja, Barneda emphasized the unpredictable nature of emotions in such high-stakes environments, stating, "They know what they are getting into, but they really don’t. There’s something you can’t control, the emotional impact is always going to be new." She expressed a desire to participate in another reality show, Supervivientes, if she were to step away from television, citing the challenge of survival in inhospitable conditions as appealing.
As the episode came to an end, Barneda and Latre bid farewell to their companions, making way for new participants Omar Montes and TheGrefg, who joined the group in Kathmandu. The emotional farewells were filled with gratitude and reflections on the transformative experiences they had shared.
Calleja, who has a knack for drawing out personal stories from his guests, noted the deep connections formed during the trip. He remarked, "I think this is the time I will feel the most sadness about saying goodbye, truly." Latre echoed these sentiments, expressing his gratitude and the life-changing impact of the journey, saying, "I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. I’m much better, I’m strong. And I’ve had the chance to get to know these wonderful people and this fantastic team."
As the group parted ways, Barneda, visibly emotional, thanked Calleja for being a guiding light during her journey, stating, "I came with a broken heart, not knowing if I could endure, but I leave filled with love." The group shared a heartfelt embrace, marking the end of a significant chapter in their lives.
In the context of the show, Calleja’s ability to create a supportive environment for his guests has been a hallmark of Universo Calleja. This particular episode not only showcased the beauty of Nepal but also highlighted the personal growth and emotional healing that can occur when individuals step outside of their comfort zones.
As the credits rolled, viewers were left with a sense of inspiration, reflecting on the power of adventure and the connections forged through shared experiences. Calleja continues to push the boundaries of travel programming, making each journey a deeply personal and transformative experience.
