The Games were then formally brought to an end at the Estadio Félix Capriles in a Closing Ceremony attended by Cochabamba Govenor Ivan Canela and Bolivian Sports Minister Tito Montaño.

Colombia finished on a haul of 94 gold, 74 silver and 71 bronze medals.

It put them just four ahead of Brazil - who managed 90 gold, 58 silver and 56 bronze.

Venezuela narrowly beat Argentina and Chile to third with 43 gold, 59 silver and 55 bronze.

Colombian proved most dominant in cycling, aquatics, shooting, roller skating, boxing and archery, where reigning World Games champion Sara López was among the winners in the compound event.

A total of 11 medals from Brazil in rhythmic gymnastics on the final day kept up Brazil's pressure.

This included four for Natalia Azevedo Gaudio in hoop, ribbon, club and all-around events.

Other star performers included Panama's Alonso Edward, winner of the men's 100m in 10.01sec, and Uruguay's Emiliano Lasa, who won the men's long jump with a South American record of 8.28 metres.

All 14 participating countries won at least one medal.

Many across 16 sports also qualified for next year's Pan American Games in Lima.

The South American Games flag was then handed to Juan Carlos Orihuela, secretary general of the Paraguayan Olympic Committee, as focus turns to the 2022 edition in Asunción.

"From Bolivia, a message of the transforming power of sport has been sent to the whole continent," said South American Sports Confederation President Camilo Pérez.

"The most significant moments lived during these 14 days of competitions were revived through a giant screen, placed for this purpose in the sports facility."