How frequent are earthquakes in or near South America?

South America has a high level of seismic activity. Based on data from the past 25 years and our earthquake archive back to 1900, there are about 31,000 quakes on average per year in or near South America. South America has had at least 26 quakes above magnitude 8 since 1900, which suggests that larger earthquakes of this size occur infrequently, probably on average approximately every 1 to 5 years.

How many earthquakes occur every year in or near South America?

On average, South America has about 10,000 quakes of magnitude 3 or higher per year (Mag 4+: 2,400 quakes per year, Mag 5+: 207 quakes per year, Mag 6+: 17.4 quakes per year).

Volcanoes, Eruptions and Earthquakes in South America

Volcanoes of South America

Argentina (57 volcanoes)

Bolivia (37 volcanoes)

Brazil (1 volcano)

Martin Vaz

Central Chile and Argentina (85 volcanoes)

Chile (241 volcanoes)

Colombia (23 volcanoes)

Ecuador (49 volcanoes)

Northern Chile, Bolivia and Argentina (268 volcanoes)

Peru (21 volcanoes)

Southern Chile and Argentina (61 volcanoes)

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Significant volcanic eruptions: South America

In historic times, at least 59 volcanoes have been active in South America, including Copahue, Ubinas, and Puracé volcanoes. A total of 627 eruptions have been witnessed and documented since around 1454 AD.
The table below lists the most recent volcanic eruptions, significant eruptive episodes or related events in South America since around 2010.

Date	Volcano	VEI	Region	Deaths	Damage
2014 Dec 2 ±7 d. - ongoing	Villarrica Summit crater	3	Central Chile
2014 Nov 18 - ongoing	Nevado del Ruiz Arenas crater	2	Colombia
2016 Nov 6 - ongoing	Sabancaya Sabancaya crater	3	Peru
2019 Mar 26 - ongoing	Sangay	2	Ecuador
2008 Jul 27 - ongoing	Reventador	2	Ecuador
2024 Oct 16 ±1 d. - Oct 27 ±1 d.	Copahue	?	Chile/Argentina
2024 May 6 -	Ubinas	?	Peru
2023 Jun 22 - Dec 15	Ubinas	3	Peru
2023 Nov 16	Puracé	1	Colombia
2022 Oct 21 - 2023 Jul 6	Cotopaxi Summit crater	2	Ecuador
2022 Dec 10 - 2023 ?	Lascar	3	Northern Chile
2016 Jan 8 - 2022 Oct 17	Nevados de Chillán Nicanor crater	2	Central Chile
2022 Mar 29	Puracé Between Puracé and Curiquinga	1	Colombia
2021 Jul 2 - Nov 6	Copahue	1	Chile/Argentina
2021 Mar 5 (eruption 2019 Mar 26 - ongoing)	Sangay	2	Ecuador		moderate	Info
2021 Mar 5: Ash plumes were notable during 5-6 March and impacted communities downwind with ashfall [...] SNGRE reported that the ashfall affected a total of 108,457 people (23,750 families) as well as numerous crops and animals; they distributed volcano-related aid kits to impacted populations. (reference #2432) Forty-two thousand hectares of crops are destroyed, while some forty-seven thousand animals are affected. (reference #12896) Cited references #2432 Venzke, E., R.W. Wunderman, L. McClelland, T. Simkin, J.F. Luhr, L. Siebert, and G. Mayberry (eds.) (2002-): Global Volcanism, 1968 to the Present. Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program Digital Information Series, GVP-4 (http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/). #12896 Ecuavisa (Ecuador) (2021): Las provincias mas afectadas por la ceniza del Sangay. Published 08 March 2021. Link. Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
2020 Jun 16 - Nov 2	Copahue Agrio Crater	2	Chile/Argentina
2019 Aug 2 - Nov 12 ?	Copahue Agrio Crater	2	Chile/Argentina
2019 Jun 24 - Sep 12	Ubinas	2	Peru
2018 Nov 7 - 2019 May 7 ±1 d.	Planchón-Peteroa	1	Central Chile and Argentina (South America)
2017 Jun 4 - 2018 Dec 7	Copahue El Agrio Crater	1	Chile/Argentina
2018 Aug 8 - Dec 7	Sangay	2	Ecuador
2018 Feb 25	Sangay Summit crater	1	Ecuador
2017 Jul 20 - Oct 19	Sangay Summit crater	2	Ecuador
2015 Oct 30 - 2017 Apr 2 ±1 d.	Lascar Summit craters	2	Northern Chile
2016 Sep 13 - 2017 Mar 2	Ubinas Summit crater	2	Peru
2015 Sep 18 ±3 d. - 2017 Feb 22	Copahue Agrio Crater	2	Chile/Argentina
2016 Mar 17 ±2 d. - Nov 17	Sangay Summit crater	2	Ecuador
2012 Dec 14 - 2016 Mar 16	Tungurahua Summit crater	3	Ecuador
2013 Sep 1 - 2016 Feb 27	Ubinas Summit crater	2	Peru
2015 Aug 14 - 2016 Jan 24	Cotopaxi Summit crater	2	Ecuador
2015 Mar 8 - Dec 12	Sabancaya Summit crater	1	Peru
2015 Apr 22 - May 26	Calbuco Summit crater	4	Chile
2015 Apr 22 (eruption 2015 Apr 22 - May 26)	Calbuco	0	Chile		moderate	Info
2015 Apr 22: Most Recent Weekly Report: 22 April-28 April 2015 OVDAS-SERNAGEOMIN reported that an eruption from Calbuco began at 1804 on 22 April, prompting the Alert Level to be raised to Red (the highest level on a four-color scale) and causing a 20-km exclusion zone to be declared. The eruption was preceded by an hour-long period of volcano-tectonic events followed by long-period events; no increases in seismicity had been noted since 2009 when real-time seismic monitoring started. After a large seismic event detected at 1735, a 90 minute eruption generated a sub-Plinian, gray ash plume that rose 15 km above the main crater and drifted mainly ENE, although fine ash drifted N and NW. Column collapses occurred locally and radially, affecting the headwaters of major rivers. Residents within the exclusion zone, in Chamiza, Lago Chapo, and Correntoso sectors, and in the town of Puerto Montt, were ordered to evacuate. Several roads and bridges were impassable due to ashfall. A larger second event on 23 April began at 0100, lasted six hours, and also generated a sub-Plinian ash plume that rose higher than 15 km and drifted N, NE, and E. About 5,000 people had been evacuated and ONEMI warned people not to go within 200 m of drainages due to lahar hazards. News articles noted that international flights in and out of several major cities were delayed or canceled. Some houses in areas near the volcano collapsed from the weight of the ash. ONEMI noted on 27 April that 246 of 4,514 evacuees were in shelters; the number of displaced people had peaked at 6,514 during 24-26 April. (reference #11206) Last week's spectacular twin eruptions of the Calbuco volcano will cost southern Chile's Los Lagos region, a tourism and agriculture hub, up to $600 million, a local business leader said Monday. The region is struggling to clean up some 210 million cubic meters (7.4 billion cubic feet) of ash spewed by the volcano, which contaminated rivers, lakes and vast stretches of prairie. "The Los Lagos regional economy had annual turnover of $2 billion. We estimate the eruption of Calbuco will cause losses of up to about 30 percent," he said. Los Lagos has more than a million head of cattle, around 30 percent of the total in Chile, and supplies about half the South American country's milk. Chile's salmon industry, the world's second-largest, is also facing losses. Los Lagos has the largest concentration of salmon farms in the country, but many had their water supplies contaminated by ash.The effect on the region's key tourism industry, which draws about 200,000 visitors a year, is less clear. "The volcano could decrease the number of tourists coming for outdoors activities... but it could also increase the number of tourists who want to see an active volcano," said Jadue. (reference #11205) Cited references #2432 Venzke, E., R.W. Wunderman, L. McClelland, T. Simkin, J.F. Luhr, L. Siebert, and G. Mayberry (eds.) (2002-): Global Volcanism, 1968 to the Present. Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program Digital Information Series, GVP-4 (http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/). #11205 AFP (2015): Chile volcano eruption costs region $600 mn: official. Published April 27, 2015 6:09 PM. #11206 Global Volcanism Program (2015): Calbuco Most Recent Weekly Report: 22 April-28 April 2015. Global Volcanism, 1968 to the Present. Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program Digital Information Series, GVP-4 (http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/). Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
2015 Jan 18 - Apr 7	Sangay Summit crater complex	2	Ecuador
2014 Jul 4 - Dec 2	Copahue El Agrio Crater	1	Chile/Argentina
2012 May 13 - 2014 Jan 30 ±1 d.	Galeras Summit crater	2	Colombia
2012 Dec 22 - 2013 Dec 10	Copahue Agrio Crater	2	Chile/Argentina
2013 Apr 2 - Nov 20	Lascar Central active crater	1	Northern Chile
2013 Sep 1 (eruption 2013 Sep 1 - 2016 Feb 27)	Ubinas	0	Peru		light	Info
2013 Sep 1: People in Peru are being relocated from villages that are being affected by dangerous ash from a volcano eruption. Authorities are distributing masks and have given themselves a 60-day period to relocate villagers from areas where ash is damaging crops and polluting water sources. The explosions have sent a plume of smoke rising to 2500 meters above the crater, according to volcanologists at the Geophysical Institute of Peru. The first explosion on the night of September 1 was strong and followed by a series of lesser blasts, seismologist Victor Aguilar of the Geophysical Institute of the University of San Agustin de Arequipa told AFP. (reference #10739) According to a news source, IGP reported that a seventh phreatic explosion from Ubinas occurred just after 1800 on 4 September; six explosions were recorded between 1 and 3 September. The explosion caused alarmed residents of Querapi, 4 km S, to temporarily leave their homes and congregate in the town square. (reference #2432) Cited references #2432 Venzke, E., R.W. Wunderman, L. McClelland, T. Simkin, J.F. Luhr, L. Siebert, and G. Mayberry (eds.) (2002-): Global Volcanism, 1968 to the Present. Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program Digital Information Series, GVP-4 (http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/). #10739 SkyNews (2013): Volcano prompts Peru emergency. Updated: 23:53, Friday September 13, 2013. Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
2013 Jul 25 - Jul 29 ?	Villarrica Summit crater	1	Central Chile
2012 Feb 22 - 2013 Jul 12 ?	Nevado del Ruiz Arenas Crater	3	Colombia
2013 Jan 25 - May 24	Sangay Summit crater complex	2	Ecuador
2011 Jun 6 - 2012 Sep 19	Sangay Summit crater complex	2	Ecuador
2011 Nov 27 - 2012 Sep 4	Tungurahua Summit crater	?	Ecuador
2012 Jul 17 - Jul 19	Copahue El Agrio Crater	2	Chile/Argentina
2011 Jun 4 - 2012 Apr 21 ?	Puyehue-Cordón Caulle Cordón Caulle, N of the 1960 eruption fissure	5	Chile
2009 Nov 22 - 2012 Apr 20	Villarrica	1	Central Chile
2008 Oct 26 ? - 2012 Jan 14 ?	Nevado del Huila Upper SW side of Pico Central	3?	Colombia
2011 Oct 26 - Nov 1	Cerro Hudson S and SE edge of the caldera	2	Chile
2011 Feb 17 - Jun 26 ±1 d.	Planchón-Peteroa Peteroa	2	Central Chile and Argentina (South America)
2008 May 2 - 2011 May 31 ±3 d.	Chaitén	4	Chile
2011 Apr 20 - May 26	Tungurahua Summit crater	2	Ecuador
2011 Apr (eruption 2011 Apr 20 - May 26)	Tungurahua	4	Ecuador		light	Info
2011 Apr: On 22 April, 2011, Instituto Geofísico (Ecuador) reported that in recent months the seismic network at Tungurahua detected volcano-tectonic earthquakes, indicating increased pressure in the volcano. Deformation of the NW quadrant that began in early February was slow but continuous, and then accelerated during the previous nine days. On 21 April gas-and-ash plumes caused fine ashfall in Choglontús and Cahuají (8 km SW), Pillate (8 km W), Cotaló (8 km NW), Juive (7 km NNW), and Baños (8 km N). Strombolian activity was seen at night, producing small lava fountains and incandescent blocks that rolled 1 km down the flanks. Roaring was heard and a few explosions occurred during 21-22 April. Instituto Geofísico (Ecuador) recommended that residents do not go within 3 km of Tungurahua's crater. On 26 April six explosions were detected and constantly-generated ash plumes rose to an altitude of 12 km (39,400 ft) a.s.l. Plumes drifted W and NW, causing steady ashfall in areas downwind. Structures vibrated in surrounding areas, including in Baños. (reference #2432) A plume more than 7km (4.3 miles) high could be seen emerging from the volcano in central Ecuador. The authorities evacuated residents living near the volcano's rim and ordered local schools to close. The Tungurahua has erupted periodically over the past 12 years, but this is its first significant activity this year. Monitors said they detected six eruptions, ranging from moderate to large. "According to our observations, damages to crops, pastures and small effects to the health of people are already evident," the Ecuadorean geophysics institute said. (reference #10332) Cited references #2432 Venzke, E., R.W. Wunderman, L. McClelland, T. Simkin, J.F. Luhr, L. Siebert, and G. Mayberry (eds.) (2002-): Global Volcanism, 1968 to the Present. Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program Digital Information Series, GVP-4 (http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/). #10332 BBC News (2011): Ecuador raises alert as Tungurahua volcano spews ash. 26 April 2011 Last updated at 20:49 ET. Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
1934 Aug 8 - 2011 Mar 2	Sangay	3	Ecuador
2010 Nov 22 - 2011 Jan 2	Tungurahua Summit crater	3?	Ecuador
2010 Nov (eruption 2010 Nov 22 - 2011 Jan 2)	Tungurahua	3	Ecuador		light	Info
2010 Nov: Eruptive Characteristics: Central vent eruption, Explosive eruption, Pyroclastic flow(s), Lava flow(s), Damage (land, property, etc.), Mudflow(s) (lahars), Evacuation. 1 December-7 December 2010: During 2-3 December, Instituto Geofísico (Ecuador)reported that Strombolian activity from Tungurahua was seen at night. Ash plumes on 3 December rose to an altitude of 8 km (26,200 ft) a.s.l. and ashfall was reported in nearby areas. On 4 December, a sudden increase in tremor detected by the seismic network was followed by intense roaring noises, an increase in the number and intensity of explosions, and window and ground vibrations. Pyroclastic flows descended the N and W drainages at 0939 and continued to occur in those and additional drainages until 1522, including Cusúa, Mandur, and Juive (NW), as well as Rea, Choglontús, and Mapayacu (SW). Ashfall occurred in uninhabited regions to the S and SE. According to news articles, people within 8 km of the summit were evacuated. (above from reference #2432) Cited references #2432 Venzke, E., R.W. Wunderman, L. McClelland, T. Simkin, J.F. Luhr, L. Siebert, and G. Mayberry (eds.) (2002-): Global Volcanism, 1968 to the Present. Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program Digital Information Series, GVP-4 (http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/). Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
2010 Sep 6 - Oct 13	Planchón-Peteroa Peteroa	2	Central Chile and Argentina (South America)
2010 Aug 25	Galeras Central cone	1	Colombia
2010 Jan 1 - Aug 1	Tungurahua Summit crater	3	Ecuador
2008 Oct 21 ? - 2010 Jan 2 ?	Galeras	3	Colombia
2010 Jan (eruption 2010 Jan 1 - Aug 1)	Tungurahua	3	Ecuador		light	Info
2010 Jan: Eruptive Characteristics: Central vent eruption, Explosive eruption, Pyroclastic flow(s), Damage (land, property, etc.), Mudflow(s) (lahars), Evacuation. 27 April-3 May 2011: According to news articles, an Instituto Geofísico (Ecuador) scientist noted that boulders the size of a truck were ejected from the crater, causing impact craters 10 m wide where they fell on the flanks. About 300 people evacuated. (above from reference #2432) Cited references #2432 Venzke, E., R.W. Wunderman, L. McClelland, T. Simkin, J.F. Luhr, L. Siebert, and G. Mayberry (eds.) (2002-): Global Volcanism, 1968 to the Present. Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program Digital Information Series, GVP-4 (http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/). Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
1976 Aug 12 (eruption 1934 Aug 8 - 2011 Mar 2)	Sangay	3	Ecuador	2		Info
1976 Aug 12: 2 killed and 4 seriously injured as British Vulcan Expedition neared summit of perennially active cone. Cited references #1412 Simkin, Tom, and Lee Siebert with the collaboration of Russell Blong, Jonathan Dehn, Christopher Newhall, Roland Pool, and Thomas C. Stein (1994): Volcanoes of the World, Second Edition, A Regional Directory, Gazetteer, and Chronology of Volcanism During the Last 10,000 Years, Geoscience Press, Inc., Tucson, Arizona, in association with Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program, Washington, D.C., p. 164-176. #2432 Venzke, E., R.W. Wunderman, L. McClelland, T. Simkin, J.F. Luhr, L. Siebert, and G. Mayberry (eds.) (2002-): Global Volcanism, 1968 to the Present. Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program Digital Information Series, GVP-4 (http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/). Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K

Remark:

Our list of volcanic eruptions closely follows the database of eruptions of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Project (GVP), the internationally most recognized data source for volcanic eruptions, but also includes significant eruptive episodes or related volcano events. "Volcanic eruptions" are usually to be understood as sequences of individual eruptive episodes that can follow each other, or even overlap (if several vents are involved), and can last many years, decades or even longer. For example, the current activity of Stromboli volcano is understood as a single eruption that has been ongoing since 1934.

Sources: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Volcanic Eruptions Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K | Global Volcanism Project / Smithsonian Institution

South America FAQ

+When was the last volcanic eruption in South America?

The last volcanic eruption in South America was from Copahue volcano in 2024.

+When was the first documented volcanic eruption in South America?

The first historically documented eruption occurred around 1454 AD from El Misti volcano.

+How often do volcanoes in South America erupt?

Volcanoes in South America erupt almost every year. Since the first historically documented eruption 1454 ADin South America, historic sources have shown nearly continuous volcanic activity: The Global Volcanism Project counts 627 historic eruptions until now, spanning a total of 405 out of 571 years. In other words, a volcano in South America is active roughly every one in 1.4 years on average. This value is likely underestimated, because the record of historically documented activity is likely inclomplete the further back in time we look.

+How active are the volcanoes in South America?

South America is volcanically extremely active: Since 1900, at least 44 volcanoes in South America have been active. Every year, at least one volcano has been in eruption in South America. The last volcano to erupt in South America was Copahue volcano, which erupted in 2024, 12 months ago.

+When was the largest volcanic eruption in South America?

The largest eruption in South America in historic times was from Huaynaputina volcano. It occurred in 1600 AD. It ranks as a plinian eruption with a magnitude 6 on the VEI (Volcanic Explosivity Index) scale. Eruption of this size are often catastrophic on a regional scale.

Latest earthquakes: South America

In the past 7 days, South America was shaken by 6 quakes of magnitude 5.0 or above, 34 quakes between 4.0 and 5.0, 145 quakes between 3.0 and 4.0, and 252 quakes between 2.0 and 3.0. There were also 279 quakes below magnitude 2.0 which people don't normally feel.

A magnitude 5.9 hit North Pacific Ocean, Provincia de San Jose, Costa Rica .

Magnitude 5.9 Earthquake North Pacific Ocean, Provincia de San Jose, Costa Rica widely felt -

Date and Time	Mag / Depth	Nearest Volcano / Location
Oct 24, 05:30 pm (GMT -4)	5.0 35 km	751 km (467 mi) NE of San Diego	Caribbean Sea, 96 km north of Maracaibo, Zulia, Venezuela I FELT IT - 52 reports	Info
Thursday, October 23, 2025 GMT (2 quakes)
Oct 23, 11:25 am (GMT -3)	5.0 10 km	818 km (508 mi) E of Fueguino	South Atlantic Ocean, 213 km south of Bleaker Island, Falkland Islands I FELT IT	Info
Oct 22, 07:05 pm (Guayaquil)	5.7 65 km	241 km (150 mi) SW of Sangay	3.1 km west of Pinas, Provincia de El Oro, Ecuador I FELT IT - 1 report	Info
Wednesday, October 22, 2025 GMT (2 quakes)
Oct 21, 09:57 pm (Costa Rica)	5.9 31 km	77 km (48 mi) SW of Irazu	North Pacific Ocean, 64 km south of San Jose, Provincia de San Jose, Costa Rica I FELT IT - 829 reports	Info
Oct 21, 07:05 pm (Guayaquil)	5.5 74 km	243 km (151 mi) SW of Sangay	44 km southeast of Machala, Provincia de El Oro, Ecuador I FELT IT - 94 reports	Info
Tuesday, October 21, 2025 GMT (1 quake)
Oct 21, 02:32 am (GMT -5)	5.0 0 km	326 km (203 mi) W of St. Catherine	Caribbean Sea, 163 km east of Orchilla Island, Dependencias Federales, Venezuela I FELT IT - 4 reports	Info