M4.2 Depth: 4.0 km

M4.2 Earthquake near Puntarenas (Costa Rica)

UTC time: 2026-03-29 07:53:42 UTC Local time: —

About this earthquake

A magnitude M4.2 earthquake was recorded near Puntarenas (Costa Rica) on March 29, 2026 at 07:53 UTC. With a focal depth of about 4 km, this was a shallow earthquake, whose shaking is usually felt more strongly at the surface. Earthquakes of this magnitude are clearly felt; minor damage to vulnerable buildings is possible.

The event was recorded by EMSC. Costa Rica: 6 earthquakes were recorded in the past 24 hours, the strongest reaching M3.8.

Details

Magnitude

M4.2

Depth

4.0 km

UTC time

2026-03-29 07:53:42 UTC

Local time

—

Country

Costa Rica

State

Puntarenas

City

Puntarenas

Source

emsc

Coordinates

8.93480, -84.20320

Temperature

27.8°C

Map

Depth profile

Shallow

4 km

4 km — shallower than the regional average (27.1 km)

Regional average: 27.1 km

Why depth matters

Shallow quakes release energy near the surface — shaking is felt more strongly and damage potential is higher.

Depth classes per USGS

Volcanoes nearby

Irazu

Distance: 122 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 3'436 m ·Last eruption: 1977 ·Costa Rica
Turrialba

Distance: 130 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 3'340 m ·Last eruption: 2022 ·Costa Rica
Barva

Distance: 134 km ·Complex ·Elevation: 2'906 m ·Last eruption: -6050 ·Costa Rica
Poas

Distance: 141 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 2'697 m ·Last eruption: 2026 ·Costa Rica
Platanar

Distance: 153 km ·Stratovolcano(es) ·Elevation: 2'267 m ·Costa Rica
Arenal

Distance: 179 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 1'670 m ·Last eruption: 2010 ·Costa Rica

Historic earthquake map · Costa Rica

Open history map

Explore recent and long-term earthquake activity in this country. Use filters to narrow down by magnitude, depth, and date range.

Country statistics · Costa Rica

Country overview

View earthquake KPIs, strongest and latest events, and averages for this country.

Stats (last 24h)

Global (24h)

708

Country (24h)