Hellish hike with heavenly views

Laguna Cuicocha, the travel books describe a 5 hour hike around a beautiful crater lake with views of all 3 of the areas volcanos.
We imagined a walk much like the one we take around Westlake, only more beautiful and longer.
NOT
This walk seemed all uphill on steep steps, steep paths, steep narrow paths, steep muddy paths and when by chance a down hill happened, we had to scoot down on our butts.
However we made it. The lake and views were spectacular. Would we do it again, NO.
After a very early dinner, we were asleep by 5pm, and for those who know us that is at least 2 hours earlier than we normally go to bed.