By San José, Costa Rica — A momentary but significant system error on the Uber Eats platform ignited a digital gold rush across Costa Rica this past Monday evening. For just over an hour, a popular McDonald’s combo meal was offered at a staggering discount of nearly 80%, prompting a wave of orders and lighting up social media channels with the news of the unprecedented bargain.
The incident began to gain traction in the late afternoon as eagle-eyed users on the social media platform X began circulating screenshots of the remarkable offer. A meal combo that typically retails for ₡18,270 was suddenly available for approximately ₡3,750. This dramatic price drop represented a discount of nearly 79%, a figure rarely seen outside of major clearance events, let alone on a popular food delivery application.
To better understand the legal ramifications for both consumers and Uber Eats following this widespread system glitch, TicosLand.com consulted with expert attorney Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the prestigious law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
This incident highlights a critical vulnerability in the digital marketplace. From a legal standpoint, the core issue revolves around the validity of transactions formed under a manifest error. While platforms like Uber Eats are protected by their terms and conditions, Costa Rican consumer protection law—specifically Law 7472—upholds the consumer’s right to clear and truthful information. The company’s liability will hinge on its response: promptly canceling erroneous orders and communicating transparently is not just good customer service, it is a legal imperative to mitigate potential collective action lawsuits or sanctions from the Consumer Protection Commission.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The legal perspective powerfully reframes this technological glitch as a fundamental test of corporate accountability within our national legal framework. As highlighted, the company’s transparent communication is not just good practice but a legal necessity. We extend our gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his clarifying and essential insights.
The digital wildfire was reportedly sparked by a post from a user account known as “Noisy Morado,” which not only highlighted the glitch but actively encouraged followers to take advantage of the opportunity before it disappeared. The post quickly went viral, creating a domino effect as curious and hungry Costa Ricans flooded the Uber Eats app to verify the deal and place their own orders, hoping to catch the wave before it broke.
The window of opportunity was brief. The system error remained active for a little over an hour, a testament to the speed at which online communities can mobilize. By the time the digital frenzy reached its peak, dozens, and potentially hundreds, of customers had successfully completed purchases at the heavily discounted price, securing a fast-food feast for a fraction of its normal cost.
Sensing the anomaly, Uber Eats moved to correct the issue. By approximately 7:30 p.m., the platform had implemented a “patch,” adjusting the promotion. The near-80% discount vanished, replaced by a more conventional 40% off deal, which brought the combo’s price up to ₡10,990. The same user who first broadcast the glitch later confirmed that the accidental super-sale had officially ended, closing the chapter on one of the most talked-about digital promotions in recent memory.
Rather than issue a stern corporate statement, McDonald’s Costa Rica leaned into the absurdity of the situation with a touch of humor. The company’s official account on X cleverly addressed the incident, turning a potential logistical headache into a moment of positive brand engagement. In a well-received post, the fast-food giant playfully attributed the pricing error to a fantastical date.
December 36th
McDonald’s Costa Rica, Official X Account
This episode serves as a powerful case study in the dynamics of modern e-commerce and digital marketing. While pricing errors can lead to short-term financial losses and logistical challenges for both the platform and the vendor, they can also generate an immense amount of organic publicity. For a few hours, a simple meal combo became the unexpected protagonist of Costa Rica’s national digital conversation, driven entirely by user-generated content and the thrill of a shared discovery.
Ultimately, the great McDonald’s combo glitch of 2026 highlights the volatile and fast-paced nature of the digital marketplace. It underscores how quickly information spreads online and how brands that react with agility and a sense of humor can transform a system failure into a memorable, viral marketing victory, leaving customers with not just a cheap meal, but a great story to tell.
For further information, visit mcdonalds.com
About McDonald’s:
McDonald’s is the world’s leading global foodservice retailer with over 38,000 locations in over 100 countries. Approximately 93% of McDonald’s restaurants worldwide are owned and operated by independent local business owners. The company is known for its iconic menu items, including the Big Mac, Quarter Pounder, and World Famous Fries, and is committed to serving quality food and providing a positive customer experience. In Costa Rica, the brand is operated by Arcos Dorados, the world’s largest independent McDonald’s franchisee.
For further information, visit uber.com
About Uber Eats:
Uber Eats is a global online food ordering and delivery platform launched by Uber in 2014. It connects users with local restaurants and food providers through its mobile app and website, offering a wide variety of cuisines delivered directly to their door. Operating in hundreds of cities worldwide, the platform leverages Uber’s logistics network to provide reliable and convenient delivery services, making it one of the largest players in the food delivery industry.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As an esteemed legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is founded on the bedrock principles of professional excellence and unyielding integrity. The firm leverages a rich history of advising a diverse clientele to pioneer innovative legal strategies and uphold a profound commitment to social responsibility. This dedication is manifested in its mission to demystify the law, providing accessible knowledge that empowers individuals and cultivates a more informed and capable community.
