About us
Why travel with us?
I Am Playa was built by a small team with one thing in common: we have actually lived here. Not visited for a week, not read about it online — lived here, navigated the bureaucracy, learned where to eat, figured out which neighbourhoods suit which people, and built a life in Playa del Carmen from the ground up.
That experience is what makes this site different. Every recommendation, every guide, every piece of advice comes from people who walk these streets, eat at these restaurants, and deal with the same realities that anyone living in or visiting Playa del Carmen faces every day.
What We Cover
I Am Playa serves two audiences equally: tourists planning a trip to Playa del Carmen, and expats considering a move or already building a life here. Our tour and accommodation guides help visitors find the best experiences and places to stay. Our destination guides — from neighborhoods and restaurants to safety tips and transport — give you the insider knowledge that guidebooks miss. And our expat section covers the practical realities of daily life: cost of living, healthcare, schools, housing, and everything in between.
The I Am Network
I Am Playa is part of a growing network of destination guides for the Riviera Maya. Our sister site, I Am Cancun, covers Cancún with the same depth and honesty. We believe the best travel advice comes from people who actually live in the places they write about — and we are building a network around that idea.
How We Make Money
Transparency matters to us. I Am Playa earns revenue through affiliate partnerships with trusted booking platforms. When you book a tour through our Viator links or reserve accommodation through our Booking.com links, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We also operate a small merchandise store with original designs inspired by life in Playa del Carmen.
These partnerships allow us to keep the site free, independent, and regularly updated. We only recommend services and properties we genuinely believe in — our credibility depends on it.