The 18th South American Junior Championships in Athletics were held in Quito, Ecuador, at the Estadio Los Chasquis between September 13–16, 1986.

[1] Detailed result lists can be found on the "World Junior Athletics History" website.

[2] An unofficial count yields the number of about 201 athletes from about 9 countries: Argentina (31), Brazil (48), Chile (11), Colombia (9), Ecuador (45), Panama (6), Paraguay (2), Peru (36), Venezuela (13).

Medal winners are published for men[3] and women[4] Complete results can be found on the "World Junior Athletics History" website.

[2] *   Host nation (Ecuador)