Hello Danielle, yes on the itinerary we make the hike down to the lake but also you have the option to choose until where you want or go down or you can choose to stay in the lookout, is always your choice. It is no mandatory to get to the lake and also the guide explains you that if you want to use the mules you have to pay 10USD to a local person. We always recommend to walk until you feel good and
don´t use the mules.