Questions about Bolivia trip late nov/early dec

Climate data for Uyuni can be found here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uyuni#Climate
I'm assuming these figures are for the town, so expect it to be a bit colder on the salar. In short, it's cold. And a lot of the accommodation isn't heated, but most tour operators can provide sleeping bags if you ask.

I assume by non-speaking guide, you mean non-English speaking, not one who's completely mute? I didn't find it a problem having a Spanish-speaking guide although my Spanish is very basic. There's usually one person on the tour who can speak English and Spanish and is happy to interpret.

I wouldn't worry about showers - it's too cold for showers! And most of the tours stop at some hot springs on the last day so you can freshen up there.

Having said that, there probably are upmarket tours if you look. I just don't know about them.

I would certainly do the salt flats tour, and not worry about the showers or cold. It's one of the highlights of South America.

I don't understand why people keep going on about the cold. I was therer in December 2007. Have the tour companies stopped providing sleeping bags since then? First night was in salt hotel (not the one on the flats, that was still there but abandoned) second night next to a coloured lake. Seem to remember there were some hot springs just outside. Can't remember what the deal was with showers. The whole experience is amazing - like being on the moon. You'd be mad to miss it just because you'll not be getting your home comforts. The drivers are locals and don't speak English - but you'll run across that issue throughout South America. It's an opportunity to learn a new language, even to a very basic level.

Take some good thermal underwear, a sleeping bag and there will not be any problem during the night. Ok, it will not be the same as your nice warm bed at home, but isn't that part of the adventure and traveling?

As for the non-English speaking guide, if you are worried about that, it would be better to change your plans and go to another country. I hardly met anyone in Bolivia speaking English (even tour operators didn't speak any English)... They are not adjusted to tourism as other countries, e.g. Peru, so you will need to be able to survive in Spanish if you go to Bolivia!

On the Uyuni tour, you'll be in a group of around four. My Spanish, then at least, was advanced beginner/intermediate - but the other three had no Spanish, so I was designated chief communicator with the driver. I suspect the same thing will happen with you - I.e. whoever has the best Spanish, however bad, will be communicator-in-chief. Not that you will need much communication.

Arrival in Lima--we always stay in Flying dog Hostel--they do have private rooms and dorms. Friendly bar where you can talk to other travelers. Hostel is right next to parke Kennedy and near lot of places to eat.

Recently did a few weeks in Bolivia, and young women backpackers told me that men in Bolivia and Peru were the most aggressive womanizers of any place they had ever been, Even wearing a wedding ring did not stop them from hitting on them. ALL western women have a local reputation as being very easy to get into bed with locals and all tour guides brag about their many gringo temporary girlfriends.

COLD--very unexpensive cold weather clothing available in La Paz--Northface down vests for $6 and NF jackets for $10. Other no name coats for $5. Light weight thermal underwear is NOT cheap, nor are hiking shoes.

I only did the one day tour so I stayed at a hostel in Uyuni that had private rooms with hot water for $8 a night.

Madidi tours--wait until you get to Rurre--prices vary tremendously! Hostels and hotels in Rurre are cheap--$5 a night for private room with bano and TV. Unlike Places in Peru, I could not find any locals who would take me out on our own jaunt to the jungles--Seems like everyone with a boat and motor is already working for a tour company. Mosquitoes--they seem to like certain people more than others--I did not use any repellant and had no problems but girl on tour had hundreds of bites. Take good Mosquito repellent and two flashlights as it will be DARK.

Met lot of guides that spoke English! Most guides also speak Hebrew as 35% of all tourists are Israeli. Other than Uyuni, you will see more signs in Hebrew than English; In Uyuni I saw more signs in Korean than Hebrew.

Don't worry about language--only Spanish I know is "I want to buy an AK-47" and I get along just fine.

Thanks for all the replies. I must admit I do understand the reactions about I won't find a bed like home. Traveling is an adventure, but that's why I asked. There are more options and I wanna find out if it is worth the money.
Same as for Tupiza and Uyuni. Research is nice but also keeps bringing up options and I don't know how to chose.
Choose when I am there might be an option but then I have to chose first whether I go there or to Madidi for instance

Has anyone got an opinion on the difference in the lakes with or without water? It is most likely that they will be covered with water.

Life and traveling are about choices, I just have to plan a few things cos I am working around my family. My sister is staying in CCB due to an adoption process and I will travel there eventually to meet my new niece. :)

The salt flats weren't actually the best part of the tour IMHO. The best parts were the multi-coloured sulphur lakes full of flamingoes and the volcanic, lunar-like landscape. I'm sure you'll have a great time what ever you end up doing.

Thanks for the detailed reaction. Really helpfull. I get why you choose the Uyani area over Madidi. Still.. I dunno, but I do have seen jungle in Costa Rica for instance, but also Salt lakes in Tunesia. I am not neccessarily attracted by the jungle, although it is great of course, but also by walking around with a tour guide that can tell you about everything. And of course the boat trip. I really found the boat trip to Tortuguero in Costa Rica a highlight.
It will all depend on transport and costs I guess.

I am getting to the stage where I have to see what is best in a short amount of time. It is really a luxury problem - all options sound great!

I could even still decide to travel overland from Lima to Bolivia via Cuzco.. Too many great options :)