Earthquakes in Costa Rica: Is It Safe to Visit?

So, you’re planning your dream trip to Costa Rica. You’re thinking lush jungles, epic waterfalls, sloths, volcanoes… and then someone casually mentions, “Oh yeah, there are earthquakes in Costa Rica.”

Cue the internal panic.

As a couple from Massachusetts (me) and Germany (Thomas) we had never experienced an earthquake before moving to Costa Rica. We’ve now lived here since 2016, and yep, we’ve felt quite a few earthquakes over the years. They still freak me out a little (and probably always will), but honestly? They’re just a normal part of life here.

If you’re wondering whether earthquakes should be a reason not to visit Costa Rica, absolutely not! But it’s totally fair to want to know what to expect. 

We put together this guide to fill you in on everything you need to know about earthquakes in Costa Rica, including our personal experiences and tips for staying safe.

How Common Are Earthquakes in Costa Rica?

Technically, earthquakes are very common. But the vast majority are so small you won’t even notice.

See, Costa Rica sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire. This is a spot where a few major tectonic plates meet. That’s also why we have so many volcanoes! 

Little tremors happen every day, but most are so minor that only seismic monitoring stations pick them up.

Only a few times a year do we get ones that are noticeable, and destructive earthquakes are super rare.

Do Earthquakes in Costa Rica Cause Damage?

It is not usual for earthquakes in Costa Rica to cause damage. 

The country has strict building codes, especially for anything built or renovated in the past few decades. Most places (hotels, vacation rentals, public buildings) are built to withstand strong shaking.

Some past examples

• Nicoya Peninsula (2012) – A 7.6 magnitude quake (huge!), but thanks to solid infrastructure, damage was surprisingly minimal.
• Cinchona (2009) – A 6.1 quake near Poás Volcano caused some landslides and local damage.
  

Even during those times, Costa Rica remained safe and operational. The locals know what to do, and emergency response teams are well-trained and responsive.

Our Experience With Earthquakes in Costa Rica

When we first moved, Thomas was working at a private school. They did earthquake drills every few months to help prepare the kids.

He taught me what to do, where to go, and we even set up an emergency plan of where to meet if phones were down, what to grab if we needed to leave quickly, etc.

One of the strongest quakes we felt was while we were living in San José. It was around 9 PM, and we were sitting outside under string lights when they suddenly started swinging. 

A 5.3 magnitude quake had hit near Jacó (about 1.5 hours away). 

It wasn’t damaging, but it was definitely unnerving.

Then there was the time Thomas was away and I was reminiscing about my high school days by binge-watching The O.C. Of course, the earthquake episode came on (Millennials, you know the one.) I barely slept that night because I was convinced it was a sign. 😂

But honestly? In almost a decade of living here, we’ve never experienced a destructive earthquake. Just the occasional “Did-you-feel-that?” moment.

What an Earthquake Actually Feels Like

If you’ve never felt one before, it’s kind of surreal.

• You’ll sometimes hear a low rumble right before the shaking starts.
• Then the ground moves (sometimes a gentle sway, like you’re on a boat, or a quick jolt, like someone shoved the building).
• Furniture might rattle, windows might creak, but it usually ends in just a few seconds.
• Aftershocks can follow. They’re usually milder, but can occasionally be more powerful.

Earthquake Safety Tips for Travelers

We get it, earthquakes sound scary, especially if you’ve never experienced one before. The key is staying calm (I know, easier said than done) and know what to do if one happens during your trip. 

Here’s a complete rundown to help you feel more prepared (and less panicked!).

What To Do Before an Earthquake (AKA How To Be Prepared)

Even if you’re only in Costa Rica for a week, it’s smart to take 10 minutes when you arrive to mentally walk through a plan. Here’s what helps:

• Know your exits – Familiarize yourself with exit routes in your hotel, hostel, or rental.
• Find your safe spots – Identify sturdy furniture, interior walls, or protected areas where you could crouch if needed.
• Keep shoes and clothes by the bed – Especially helpful at night. The last thing you want to do during a 2 AM quake is scramble for pants.
• Have a flashlight on hand – Blackouts sometimes happen after stronger quakes. Your phone’s flashlight works, but a mini LED one is even better.
• Pack a mini “go bag” if you’re extra cautious:
  • Passport + ID copies
  • Cash (ATMs might be down)
  • First aid basics
  • Small snacks and water
  • Phone charger or power bank
• Register with STEP – STEP is a program for U.S. citizens that allows the U.S. Embassy to contact you in case of a major emergency. It is also a way for you to register with the government that you are in Costa Rica. That way, they know to reach out when any type of disaster occurs. 
• 👉 Get travel insurance – This one’s big! Earthquakes are rare, but travel hiccups happen. We personally use and recommend Heymondo Travel Insurance for peace of mind. It covers medical emergencies, trip interruptions, and natural disasters (yes, even earthquakes).

What To Do During an Earthquake

If You’re Indoors:

• Drop, Cover, and Hold On – This is the golden rule. Drop to the ground, take cover under sturdy furniture (like a table or desk), and hold on until the shaking stops.
• Stay away from windows and glass – These can shatter and cause injuries. Move to an interior wall or crouch next to a solid piece of furniture.
• Don’t run outside – Unless you’re literally right next to an exit and it’s 100% safe, it’s actually safer to stay inside during the shaking. Running outside can put you at risk of falling debris.
• Cover your head and neck – Use a pillow, cushion, backpack, or even your arms if that’s all you have.

If You’re in a Hotel or Airbnb:

• Scope out your safest spots when you arrive (under a sturdy table, next to a bed, or near an interior wall).
• Don’t try to get to the lobby. Just get to a safe spot in the room and wait it out.
• If the shaking is strong, once it’s over, use the stairs to exit the building if advised by hotel staff.

If You’re Outside:

• Move to an open space (away from buildings, power lines, trees, and anything else that could fall).
• If you’re at the beach or on a hiking trail, stay put and watch for falling debris (rocks, branches, etc.).
• Keep your eyes on your surroundings but don’t panic. Most outdoor areas in Costa Rica are relatively safe during quakes.

If You’re in a Car:

• Pull over safely, away from overpasses, bridges, trees, and power lines.
• Stay inside the car until the shaking stops. Your car actually offers decent protection in most situations.

Here’s what to do:

• Be Prepared for Aftershocks – Aftershocks are common, and sometimes they can be stronger than the initial quake (fun, right?). If you feel more shaking, repeat the same steps: Drop, Cover, and Hold On.
• Check for Damage (Even If It Looks Minor) – Scan walls and ceilings for cracks, avoid leaning on or entering damaged structures, if you’re staying in a hotel or rental, alert the staff or host right away if you notice anything off
• Stay Updated – Check local emergency alerts
• Contact Loved Ones- Let friends and family know you’re OK. Text messages and WhatsApp often work better than phone calls after a quake. You might experience spotty service temporarily, especially in rural areas.
• Steer clear of – Beaches (in case of tsunami risk), areas with visible landslide risk, roads with cracks or fallen power lines

Pro tip: Even if you think “that wasn’t a big deal,” it’s better to act cautiously (especially when you’re in an unfamiliar place). Locals are often super helpful and calm during these situations, so don’t be afraid to ask for guidance.

Bonus Tip: Mentally Rehearse What You’d Do

It might sound silly, but just thinking through what you’d do can make a huge difference. If the lights flicker or you hear a weird rumble, you’ll be far less likely to freeze up.

Try asking yourself:

• “Where would I go if this room started shaking?”
• “Where are my shoes and flashlight?”
• “If we had to leave quickly, what would I grab?”

It’s like a little mental drill that only takes a minute but makes you way more confident.

Should Earthquakes Stop You from Visiting Costa Rica?

Not at all. Earthquakes happen here, but they’re just part of the natural rhythm of life in a volcanic country.

You might not feel a single one during your trip. But even if you do, chances are it’ll be a minor shake that makes for a good “guess what happened on vacation” story.

Here’s the bottom line:

• Most earthquakes are too small to feel.
• Buildings are built to handle them
• Locals and authorities are prepared.
• You’ll be totally fine if you take basic precautions.

So don’t stress! Come for the waterfalls and wildlife. Stay calm if the ground rumbles. And know that Costa Rica is just as safe (and magical) as ever.

If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comment section below. We are always happy to help you plan!

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