The 2006 South American Championships in Athletics were held at the Estadio La Independencia in Tunja, Colombia from 29 September to 1 October.

The stadium's location at 2810 metres above sea level aided the performances of athletes competing in the sprint and field events.

[1] The hosts Colombia were clear runners-up with nine golds and 36 medals, while Argentina and Ecuador were the next most successful nations.

Cold, windy conditions affected athletes performances over the course of the three-day competition, but five Championships records were broken or equalled.

Pole vaulter Fabiana Murer won her first continental title with a record clearance of 4.40 m, while Argentine Germán Chiaraviglio equalled the best mark in the men's event.