| 1981 South American Championships in Athletics | |
|---|---|
| Dates | 5–8 November |
| Host city | La Paz, Bolivia |
| Venue | Estadio Olímpico Hernando Siles |
| Events | 39 |
| Participation | 185 athletes from 10 nations |
| Records set | 1 AR, 15 CR |
The 1981 South American Championships in Athletics were held at the Estadio Olímpico Hernando Siles in La Paz, Bolivia, between 5 and 8 November. The stadium was located 3600 metres above sea level, which is said to help the performance in some events.
It was the first edition to feature women's 400 metres hurdles.