Country profile · USGS ComCat

Earthquakes in Peru

Peru has catalogued 4,598 M4+ earthquakes since 2005 (ranked 15th of 187 countries), with the strongest reaching magnitude M8.4.

Peru ranks 15th of 187 countries by catalogued seismic activity - a highly seismically active country, averaging about 219 M4+ events a year alongside 218 significant M6+ earthquakes since 1900. 7 of those major events reached M8 or greater, the catalogue's top magnitude class.

Compiled by PlainQuake, Earthquake Data Editorial Process · July 19, 2026

4,598
M4+ events (since 2005): 218
Major M6+ (since 1900): M8.4
Strongest: ~219
M4+ per year

The verdict

Peru is among the more seismically active places worldwide, with 4,598 M4+ earthquakes logged since 2005 and 218 major M6+ events since 1900, the strongest reaching magnitude 8.4.

1970
busiest year (8 major events): 97 km
average recorded event depth: 64%
of events are shallow (<70 km, the most damaging kind)

Average catalogued magnitude is 4.5 - most events are moderate M4-5 tremors that are felt but rarely cause damage. On the M4+ activity ladder Greece sits immediately above at 4,606 events and Fiji sits immediately below at 4,498.

Where Peru sits in the catalog

Rank 15th of 187 tracked countries (92th percentile by M4+ count since 2005). On the M4+ activity ladder Greece sits immediately above at 4,606 events and Fiji sits immediately below at 4,498.

Greece - next more active (4,606 M4+)
Fiji - next less active (4,498 M4+)

Peru's M4+ count vs. every tracked country

Total catalogued M4+ events since 2005, USGS ComCat

4,598 Top 8% higher than 92% of 187 countries

Each bar is a 500-wide band; taller bars hold more countries. The dashed line + filled bar mark this entry. Hover or tap any bar for its full count, share, and where it sits relative to this entry.

Source USGS Comprehensive Earthquake Catalog (ComCat) · 2005-present

How Peru compares to its nearest peers

Peru ranks in the 92th percentile for M4+ frequency among all 187 tracked countries. Plotted here against its 20 nearest-ranked peers by how OFTEN they shake (M4+ count) against how HARD the strongest one ever hit (max recorded magnitude).

Peru vs. its 20 nearest-ranked peer countries, USGS ComCat

Read the chart (all 21 values)

Country	M4+ events	Strongest magnitude
Philippines	14,262	M7.8
Chile	13,836	M8.8
Russia	12,525	M8.8
Tonga	10,847	M7.6
Mexico	8,356	M8.2
Vanuatu	7,572	M7.8
New Zealand	7,523	M8.1
Solomon Islands	6,129	M7.8
China	4,952	M7.9
Greece	4,606	M7.0
Peru (this page)	4,598	M8.0
Fiji	4,498	M7.9
Argentina	4,379	M7.0
India	4,086	M7.5
Iran	3,554	M7.7
Afghanistan	3,478	M7.5
Timor Leste	3,416	M7.3
Taiwan	2,531	M7.4
Turkey	2,249	M7.8
Guatemala	1,951	M7.4
New Caledonia	1,917	M7.5

2015

2
2016

3
2017

1
2018

2
2019

2
2020

1
2021

2
2022

2
2023

1
2024

3
2025

1
2026

1

What this shows Peru's most active year for major earthquakes was 1970 (8 M6+ events). Major-quake counts are irregular, they track the episodic release of tectonic stress, not a smooth trend.

Share of Peru's M4+ catalog that reached significant M6+ severity

55 of 4,598 catalogued M4+ events since 2005 reached M6.0 or higher.

Magnitude distribution of major events

Breakdown of the 218 significant (M6+) earthquakes on record for Peru.

How the 218 total breaks down by magnitude M6.0-6.9 is the largest share -- 77.5%

M7.0-7.9 19.3%

M6.0-6.9 77.5%

M8+

3.2%

M7.0-7.9

19.3%

M6.0-6.9

169

77.5%

Depth of major earthquakes

Hypocentral depth of the 218 M6+ events, shallow quakes shake the surface hardest. Average depth: 97 km.

Depth distribution of Peru's M6+ events, USGS ComCat

Shallow (<70 km)

139

63.8% of events

Intermediate (70–300 km)

29.8% of events

Deep (>300 km)

6.4% of events

Strongest earthquakes in Peru

The 10 most powerful events on record (USGS, since 1900).

Mag	Location	Depth	Date
8.4	6 km SSW of Atico, Peru	33.0 km	Jun 23, 2001
8.2	21 km SE of Huacho, Peru	45.0 km	May 24, 1940
8.1	67 km W of Paramonga, Peru	37.4 km	Oct 17, 1966
8.1	21 km NNE of Minas de Marcona, Peru	30.0 km	Aug 24, 1942
8.0	78 km NE of Navarro, Peru	122.6 km	May 26, 2019
8.0	41 km SW of San Vicente de Cañete, Peru	39.0 km	Aug 15, 2007
8.0	95 km N of San Antonio del Estrecho, Peru	644.8 km	Jul 31, 1970
7.9	34 km SW of Chimbote, Peru	58.4 km	May 31, 1970
7.9	143 km ESE of San Antonio del Estrecho, Peru	475.0 km	Jan 17, 1922
7.7	37 km SSW of Atico, Peru	25.0 km	Aug 6, 1913

Significant earthquake record (218 events)

Every catalogued magnitude-6.0-and-above earthquake in Peru since 1900, most recent first.

Mag	Location	Depth	Date
6.0	19 km SE of Picota, Peru	126.0 km	Apr 1, 2026
6.2	43 km W of Puerto Santa, Peru	58.0 km	Dec 28, 2025
6.1	34 km SW of Atiquipa, Peru	18.0 km	Jun 29, 2024
7.2	10 km WSW of Atiquipa, Peru	24.0 km	Jun 28, 2024
6.0	10 km SW of Atiquipa, Peru	27.0 km	Jun 16, 2024
6.2	11 km E of Iray, Peru	93.0 km	Dec 20, 2023
7.2	10 km W of Azángaro, Peru	236.0 km	May 26, 2022
6.5	49 km NW of Barranca, Peru	110.0 km	Feb 3, 2022
7.5	43 km NNW of Barranca, Peru	126.0 km	Nov 28, 2021
6.2	7 km E of Sullana, Peru	34.0 km	Jul 30, 2021
6.1	19 km SW of Vilavila, Peru	186.0 km	May 31, 2020
8.0	78 km NE of Navarro, Peru	122.6 km	May 26, 2019
7.0	22 km NNE of Azángaro, Peru	267.0 km	Mar 1, 2019
7.1	136 km W of Iñapari, Peru	630.0 km	Aug 24, 2018
7.1	37 km W of Atiquipa, Peru	39.0 km	Jan 14, 2018
6.4	22 km S of Atico, Peru	43.7 km	Jul 18, 2017
6.4	186 km NW of Iñapari, Peru	612.0 km	Dec 18, 2016
6.2	22 km SW of Vilavila, Peru	12.0 km	Dec 1, 2016
6.1	51 km N of Moyobamba, Peru	121.0 km	Sep 10, 2016
7.6	185 km WNW of Iñapari, Peru	620.6 km	Nov 24, 2015
7.6	155 km WNW of Iñapari, Peru	606.2 km	Nov 24, 2015
6.8	38 km NW of Aniso, Peru	101.0 km	Aug 24, 2014
6.3	16 km W of Sechura, Peru	29.0 km	Mar 15, 2014
6.1	24 km SSW of Paracas, Peru	20.0 km	Mar 15, 2014
7.1	16 km WSW of Atiquipa, Peru	40.0 km	Sep 25, 2013
6.2	96 km WSW of Paita, Peru	10.0 km	Aug 12, 2013
6.0	3 km ESE of Maca, Peru	7.0 km	Jul 17, 2013
6.0	16 km ESE of San Alejandro, Peru	129.0 km	Nov 10, 2012
6.1	30 km E of San Fernando, Peru	144.6 km	Aug 2, 2012
6.1	16 km S of Uñon, Peru	110.0 km	Jun 7, 2012
6.2	40 km ENE of Palca, Peru	105.9 km	May 14, 2012
6.4	6 km ESE of Pampa de Tate, Peru	43.0 km	Jan 30, 2012
6.9	39 km SW of Santiago, Peru	24.0 km	Oct 28, 2011
7.0	64 km ESE of Contamana, Peru	147.0 km	Aug 24, 2011
6.3	68 km ESE of Palca, Peru	118.0 km	Mar 6, 2011
6.1	4 km WNW of Sacsamarca, Peru	101.4 km	May 23, 2010
6.0	83 km NNE of Yambrasbamba, Peru	132.0 km	May 19, 2010
6.2	21 km S of Las Yaras, Peru	37.0 km	May 6, 2010
6.1	10 km SSW of Tirapata, Peru	198.9 km	Jul 12, 2009
6.0	117 km SSW of Sechura, Peru	15.0 km	Feb 9, 2009
6.0	40 km WNW of Pisco, Peru	21.0 km	Feb 2, 2009
6.4	78 km ESE of Contamana, Peru	154.0 km	Aug 26, 2008
6.2	28 km E of Lluta, Peru	123.0 km	Jul 8, 2008
6.0	7 km NNW of Paracas, Peru	30.0 km	Aug 18, 2007
6.0	46 km S of Paracas, Peru	35.0 km	Aug 16, 2007
6.4	46 km WSW of Santiago, Peru	23.4 km	Aug 16, 2007
8.0	41 km SW of San Vicente de Cañete, Peru	39.0 km	Aug 15, 2007
6.1	52 km NNE of Pucallpa, Peru	152.1 km	Jul 12, 2007
6.3	63 km WSW of Pimentel, Peru	23.0 km	Feb 24, 2007
6.0	41 km SW of San Vicente de Cañete, Peru	28.1 km	Oct 26, 2006
6.7	52 km SW of San Vicente de Cañete, Peru	23.0 km	Oct 20, 2006
6.0	26 km W of Chichas, Peru	107.0 km	Sep 30, 2006
7.5	39 km NW of Yurimaguas, Peru	115.0 km	Sep 26, 2005
6.3	55 km NW of Zorritos, Peru	39.5 km	May 21, 2005
6.0	18 km ENE of Shirac, Peru	129.9 km	Apr 11, 2005
6.0	81 km SSW of Quilca, Peru	33.0 km	Jun 3, 2003
6.0	35 km E of San Fernando, Peru	160.6 km	Dec 28, 2001
7.6	51 km SW of Punta de Bombón, Peru	33.0 km	Jul 7, 2001
6.6	31 km S of Achanizo, Peru	62.0 km	Jul 5, 2001
6.7	34 km WSW of Pacocha, Peru	24.0 km	Jun 26, 2001
6.1	56 km SSW of Quilca, Peru	33.0 km	Jun 23, 2001
8.4	6 km SSW of Atico, Peru	33.0 km	Jun 23, 2001
6.8	6 km SE of Camaná, Peru	87.2 km	Apr 3, 1999
6.2	16 km SSE of Pucara, Peru	136.2 km	Oct 8, 1998
6.6	43 km NE of San Fernando, Peru	164.6 km	Apr 3, 1998
6.4	101 km E of Pangoa, Peru	33.0 km	Jan 10, 1998
6.7	97 km NE of Sandia, Peru	586.0 km	Nov 28, 1997
7.2	51 km N of Barranca, Peru	112.0 km	Oct 28, 1997
6.2	90 km SE of Palca, Peru	115.6 km	Apr 1, 1997
6.2	73 km SE of Palca, Peru	113.8 km	Apr 1, 1997
6.1	68 km S of Paracas, Peru	33.0 km	Feb 9, 1997
6.0	29 km WSW of San Juan, Peru	33.0 km	Nov 13, 1996
6.1	54 km WSW of Changuillo, Peru	33.0 km	Nov 13, 1996
7.7	60 km SW of Changuillo, Peru	33.0 km	Nov 12, 1996
7.5	123 km WSW of Puerto Santa, Peru	10.0 km	Feb 21, 1996
6.5	81 km W of Paramonga, Peru	59.9 km	Sep 23, 1995
6.7	64 km WSW of Alianza Cristiana, Peru	97.0 km	May 2, 1995
6.3	45 km E of Estique, Peru	148.2 km	Dec 12, 1994
6.0	5 km WSW of Nicasio, Peru	199.5 km	Jun 16, 1994
6.1	92 km E of Sina, Peru	650.0 km	Jun 9, 1994
6.9	74 km S of Tambopata, Peru	596.0 km	Jan 10, 1994
6.3	15 km SE of Lachaqui, Peru	106.3 km	Apr 18, 1993
6.3	52 km SSW of Alianza Cristiana, Peru	96.5 km	Jul 13, 1992
6.1	4 km E of San Clemente, Peru	56.9 km	May 16, 1992
7.0	15 km W of Lares, Peru	104.5 km	Jul 6, 1991
6.0	50 km SSE of San Juan, Peru	21.4 km	Jul 1, 1991
6.8	13 km SSE of Chojata, Peru	127.7 km	May 24, 1991
6.3	21 km ESE of Pampa de Tate, Peru	50.0 km	Apr 5, 1991
7.1	11 km NE of Rioja, Peru	19.8 km	Apr 5, 1991
6.5	4 km ENE of Rioja, Peru	20.7 km	Apr 4, 1991
6.2	147 km WSW of Puerto Santa, Peru	24.7 km	Mar 21, 1991
6.0	27 km SSW of Sechura, Peru	35.1 km	Mar 20, 1991
7.0	130 km W of Iñapari, Peru	598.8 km	Oct 17, 1990
6.6	6 km ESE of Segunda Jerusalén - Azunguillo, Peru	24.2 km	May 30, 1990
6.6	69 km ESE of Contamana, Peru	153.0 km	Dec 3, 1989
6.2	52 km WSW of Islay (Matarani), Peru	16.1 km	Apr 13, 1988
7.1	30 km SW of Islay (Matarani), Peru	33.1 km	Apr 12, 1988
6.0	136 km SSW of Atico, Peru	32.3 km	Mar 9, 1988
6.6	36 km SSW of Locumba, Peru	36.5 km	Aug 13, 1987
6.0	1 km SSE of Caminaca, Peru	241.4 km	Jul 13, 1987

Showing the first 100 of 218 significant events.

Other countries in this catalog sample

A Peru-keyed shuffle of the full 186-country roster, not the six nearest by count.

Guatemala

1,951 M4+ events · strongest M7.4

M7.4

Slovenia

10 M4+ events · strongest M4.5

M4.5

Papua New Guinea

15,655 M4+ events · strongest M7.9

M7.9

Afghanistan

3,478 M4+ events · strongest M7.5

M7.5

Palau

84 M4+ events · strongest M6.2

M6.2

Yemen

338 M4+ events · strongest M6.6

M6.6

Peak-magnitude sample from the same roster

A second Peru-keyed shuffle of countries with a recorded max magnitude.

Philippines

14,262 M4+ events

M7.8

Honduras

269 M4+ events

M7.5

Costa Rica

717 M4+ events

M7.6

Canada

1,026 M4+ events

M7.8

New Caledonia

1,917 M4+ events

M7.5

Papua New Guinea

15,655 M4+ events

M7.9

Understand the data

Greece

Next more active on the M4+ ladder.

Fiji

Next less active on the M4+ ladder.

Country rankings

Every country by M4+ activity.

Frequently asked questions

How many earthquakes have occurred in Peru? ▼

The USGS catalog records 4,598 earthquakes of magnitude 4.0 or greater in Peru since 2005, an average of about 219 per year. Separately, 218 significant (M6+) earthquakes are catalogued back to 1900.

What was the strongest earthquake in Peru? ▼

The strongest catalogued earthquake in Peru measured magnitude 8.4. Across the full M4+ catalog the average magnitude is 4.5 - most earthquakes are moderate.

How seismically active is Peru? ▼

By catalogued M4+ activity, Peru ranks 15th of 187 countries worldwide - a highly seismically active country. Its busiest year for major (M6+) events was 1970, with 8.

How deep are earthquakes in Peru? ▼

Across the 218 major (M6+) events on record, the average depth is 97 km. 64% were shallow (under 70 km), where surface shaking is strongest at a given magnitude.

Where does this data come from? ▼

Every figure is derived from the USGS Comprehensive Earthquake Catalog (ComCat). M4+ counts cover 2005 onward (the period of consistent global completeness); the significant-event series covers M6+ back to 1900. Nothing is modelled or estimated.

About Peru's figures

4,598 M4+ events since 2005 · strongest M8.4 · average M4.5 · 218 M6+ significant events since 1900 · latest M4+ catalog stamp Jul 19, 2026. Computed from the USGS Comprehensive Earthquake Catalog (ComCat). See the methodology and USGS ComCat.

Disclaimer: PlainQuake is informational only, not an emergency service or engineering advice. See our full disclaimer.

What Peru's numbers mean

Peru ranks 15th of 187 countries tracked - a highly seismically active country.

About 219 M4+ earthquakes strike Peru per year on average, though major (M6+) activity is episodic - 1970 was the busiest year on record with 8 significant events. See the full country ranking
64% of Peru's catalogued major earthquakes are shallow (under 70km) - shallow events generally produce stronger surface shaking than deep ones of the same magnitude. How depth affects shaking
The strongest catalogued event reached M8.4. Compare against neighboring or similarly-ranked countries before drawing conclusions from magnitude alone. Compare strongest earthquakes

Figures reflect the USGS ComCat catalog (M4+ since 2005, M6+ significant events since 1900) - not a real-time hazard assessment. For official guidance, see the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program.

According to the US Geological Survey Earthquake Hazards Program, PlainQuake's figures are rendered directly from 315,341 recorded M4+ earthquakes and 14,428 significant M6+ events (USGS ComCat, 2005-present) -- no figure is typed in by an editor. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error. Data current as of 2026-07-19.