"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. " - the lake will NOT be covered in water in late November. This usually happens from Jan onwards. Basically it takes some time for the water table to rise until the water can settle on top of the salt flats.It is most common around Late Feb to Early April but I have seen it in January. It is feasible it could happen in December I suppose but only if there is a freak amount of rain (with world weather so unpredictable this is a possibility of course , but I wouldn't count on it)
@tungurahua - i think people always mention the cold with regards salt flats tours as when researching they see stories of extreme cold temperatures. You went in December and this time of year is not very cold on the salar and laguna colorado areas but in July / August temperatures can drop to around -30c . If you have ever been in temperatures like that then you would likely say that was pretty damn cold (unless your canadian!). So that why people mention it - but In November it wont be too bad at all and as you say , with a sleeping bag in addition to the bedding in the hostals its fine.
If i had to choose between Madidi and Salt Flats I would choose salt flats tours - both are great but the salar tours are a pretty unique experience whilst it is possible to see jungle in many places around the world.
