No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeNewsCosta RicaCentral Valley of Costa Rica shakes with magnitude 5.4 quake

Central Valley of Costa Rica shakes with magnitude 5.4 quake

So much for a relaxing Sunday night.

A magnitude 5.4 earthquake shook much of Costa Rica at 7:33 p.m., according to preliminary data from the National Seismological Network (RSN).

The tremor had an epicenter near Arancibia, Puntarenas, which is located about 45 miles northwest of San José and its surrounding Greater Metropolitan Area.

RSN indicates the quake was felt throughout the Central Valley, home to nearly three-quarters of Costa Rica’s population.

There have not been any immediate reports of substantial damage.

“According to preliminary data from the emergency committees, so far there is no report of damage after the perceived earthquake,” said the National Emergency Commission (CNE) in a post.

Map showing approximate intensity of Sunday's earthquake in Costa Rica.
Via the National Seismological Network (RSN).

The National Seismological Network has already reported at least one aftershock, which occurred at 7:38 p.m. and had a similar epicenter.

Trending Now

Heavy Rain and Strong Winds Threaten Costa Rica’s Romería Weekend

If you are walking to Cartago this weekend, plan on getting soaked at some point. Plan also for wind strong enough to bring a...

Costa Rica Chikungunya Cases Spread Inland as CDC Refreshes Travel Notice

The CDC refreshed its Costa Rica chikungunya notice on July 30, but Health Ministry data now puts a second cluster well inland of the province it names.

Jabiru Count Brings Hope for Costa Rica’s Threatened Wetlands

Costa Rica’s latest national jabiru count recorded nine active nests and 19 chicks during the 2026 breeding season, offering cautious hope for one of...

CONCACAF Calls for Reckoning With Infantino’s FIFA Leadership

North and Central American football's governing body CONCACAF yesterday called for a "comprehensive reckoning with" Gianni Infantino's leadership of FIFA after his aborted plan...

La Negrita: Faith, Unity, and the Heart of Costa Rica

Today, thousands of pilgrims from across Costa Rica are arriving at the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels in Cartago. They come on...

Costa Rica Wins Its First Surfing Gold Medal in Regional Games History

Costa Rican surfer Rachel Agüero Cabezas won the women's shortboard title at the Central American and Caribbean Games in the Dominican Republic tpday, delivering...

Costa Rica Orders AyA to Compensate Customers Over Excess Water Charges

An audit put improper water, sewer and hydrant charges at roughly ₡65.4 billion and gave AyA and Aresep until June 2027 to define how customers will be paid back.

FIFA’s Plan to Sell World Cup Stakes Lands on Costa Rica’s Desk

Costa Rica's football federation has aligned itself with regional pushback against FIFA's plan to bring private investors into the ownership of its commercial operations,...

Costa Rica Ferry to Nicoya Peninsula Loses Two Daily Sailings

If you cross between Puntarenas and the southern Nicoya Peninsula in the next few weeks, expect fewer sailings, fuller boats and longer waits at...
🌴 The Weekly Pura Vida

Costa Rica, Once a Week

The week's top stories, weather & insider tips — delivered every Sunday. One email, zero clutter.

🔒 Free. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Loading…

Latest News from Costa Rica

Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Car Rentals
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Travel