The trickiest part about planning a South American holiday is choosing which of the 12 countries on this continent of contrasts to focus on.

The second trickiest is honing an itinerary that will let you see the very best of what that country offers.

Abercrombie & Kent’s Tailor Made journeys are bespoke itineraries that ensure you make the most of whichever destination you choose.

As the name suggests, they can be tailored to your interests and time frame, and all the logistics are taken care of so you can get on with having a great time.

Need some help narrowing down your options? Here’s some help:

Iguazu Falls, on the border of Brazil and Argentina. Photo: Getty

You’re food and wine obsessed

Our pick: Argentina
The 13-day Treasures of Argentina itinerary has plenty of opportunities to sample what this renowned gastronomic destination has to offer.

You’ll visit Mendoza, in the heart of Argentina’s wine country where you’ll tour and taste your way through the Uco Valley’s foremost wineries before finishing your day at the Casa de Uco Vineyards and Wine Resort for an exclusive tasing with the sommelier and a traditional Argentinian asado (barbecue) before retiring to your room with its views of snow-capped mountains and vines.

In Buenos Aires you’ll enjoy an evening of food, local wine and tango at the Philippe Starck-designed Faena Hotel.

But don’t forget: This itinerary also takes in Iguazu Falls, on the border of Brazil and Argentina and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, where you’ll stay in the only hotel within the park and enjoy views of the falls from your accommodation. And in Purmamarca you’ll hike alongside llamas through Andean mountains and valleys taking in ruins, salt deposits and ravines.

A feast of wonder awaits you on your luxury journey into Peru. Photo: iStock

You love an icon

Our pick: Peru
The 14-day Peru in Depth itinerary will see you not just ticking off, but getting up close and deep with some of the icons of the world.

The Amazon tributary Madre de Dios River is your base for three days of exploring what is perhaps the world’s most famous river.

Your hotel here doubles as a wildlife research centre and you’ll have access to naturalists who’ll help you spot some of the more than 540 bird species that have been seen in its grounds.

From a wooden canoe you’ll search for red howler monkeys, giant river otters and black caimans, and then you’ll head up the Inkaterra Canopy Walkway to spy on toucans, woodpeckers and three-toed sloth.

Then it’s on to the Sacred Valley, one of the epicentres of the Inca Empire and today dotted with little known but spectacular ruins. You’ll acclimatise here before boarding a train for the enigmatic Machu Picchu, accompanied by your expert guide.

Your final stop is Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake where you have the option of trekking or cruising to explore the terrain.

But don’t forget: This itinerary includes three days to explore Lima’s museums, galleries and architecture. Take a culinary tour with a trip to a local market before you act as sous chef, learning to cook local recipes with a pisco sour in hand.

You love a party

Our pick: Brazil
The 9-day Flavours and Rhythms of Brazil itinerary lets you find out just why this country is renowned the world over for its liveliness and love of a good time.

Your trip begins in Rio, quite possibly the hardest partying city in the world, home to the famous Carnival and hotspots Copacabana and Ipanema.

You’ll have three days to explore here, and enjoy a tour of the Sambadome and an up close look at the floats and costumes of Carnival.

In Salvador de Bahia you’ll head to the intimate Miguel Santana Theatre for an explosion of drums, music and dance, along with a display of the rhythmic national martial art, the capoeira.

And on a walking tour of this enigmatic city, you’ll enjoy street food and drink like a local with samples of cachaca, a Brazilian sugarcane liquor.

But don’t forget: Iguazu Falls is another important component of this itinerary. You’ll stay at the only hotel within the national park from the Argentinian side and see it when the park is closed to non-hotel guests.

You’ll take a motorboat ride through rapids in the roaring Garganta del Diablo canyon and can choose to add a helicopter ride over the Tres Fronteiras, the meeting point of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay.

Discover a treasure trove of natural and cultural wonders in Ecuador. Photo:iStock

Natural beauty’s your thing

Our pick: Ecuador
The 12-day Ecuador Adventure itinerary takes in some of the most incredible scenery South America has to offer.

You’ll spend two nights deep in the heart of the Andes on a 1600-hectare farm that offers the chance to hike, bike or visit a nearby condor rehab centre.

You’ll explore the Avenue of the Volcanoes on your way to Cotopaxi National Park for a horse ride or mountain bike tour and visit the Andean crater lake of Laguna Quilotoa.

And you’ll stay deep in the Mashpi Rainforest Biodiversity Reserve, home to thousands of plants and more than 500 species of birds.

But don’t forget: Consider adding a visit to the Galapagos Islands to this trip, which ends in Guayaquil, the gateway to the world-famous wildlife spot.

Colombia is emerging as one of Latin America’s hottest destinations to visit. Photo: Getty

Architecture and history floats your boat

Our pick: Colombia
The 11-day Classic Colombia itinerary makes the most of this world coffee capital.

You’ll have three days to explore Bogota and its museums, street art, markets and colonial buildings, including the National Capitol, the Palace of Justice and the Botero Museum with its works by Colombian artist Fernando Botero alongside pieces by Picasso, Renoir and Monet.

In Medellin you’ll ride the Metrocable gondola lift system over the once-notorious Santo Domingo Savio neighbourhood and find out how this city has transformed itself.

Cartagena, considered Colombia’s most beautiful city with its pastel colonial-era architecture draped in bougainvillea and its UNESCO World Heritage-listed old town, is home for the next three nights.

Enjoy a walking dinner, sampling dishes reflecting the city’s Spanish, African, Arabic and Chinese immigrants from small stalls in every corner of the city.

But don’t forget: From Cartegena take a boat trip to the Rosario Islands to swim in crystal-clear water or relax on caster sugar white sand.

All itineraries can be adjusted to suit your needs. Speak to an Abercrombie & Kent Journey Designer today on 1800 161 352 or visit abercrombiekent.com.au