M2.6 Depth: 21.0 km

M2.6 Earthquake near Puntarenas (Costa Rica)

UTC time: 2026-01-20 05:26:22 UTC Local time: —

About this earthquake

On January 20, 2026 at 05:26 UTC, a magnitude M2.6 earthquake occurred near Puntarenas (Costa Rica). The hypocenter lay relatively close to the surface at around 21 km, increasing how strongly it was felt. Earthquakes of this small magnitude are usually barely noticeable and cause no damage.

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

Details

Magnitude

M2.6

Depth

21.0 km

UTC time

2026-01-20 05:26:22 UTC

Local time

—

Country

Costa Rica

State

Puntarenas

City

Puntarenas

Source

emsc

Coordinates

9.63280, -84.75910

Temperature

27.5°C

Map

Depth profile

Shallow

21 km

21 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

Poas

Distance: 85 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 2'697 m ·Last eruption: 2026 ·Costa Rica
Platanar

Distance: 86 km ·Stratovolcano(es) ·Elevation: 2'267 m ·Costa Rica
Barva

Distance: 91 km ·Complex ·Elevation: 2'906 m ·Last eruption: -6050 ·Costa Rica
Arenal

Distance: 93 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 1'670 m ·Last eruption: 2010 ·Costa Rica
Irazu

Distance: 107 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 3'436 m ·Last eruption: 1977 ·Costa Rica
Turrialba

Distance: 117 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 3'340 m ·Last eruption: 2022 ·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)

709

Country (24h)