Martin Parr has photographed beaches across the world and this publication brings together Martin's documentation the beach culture of Latin America. The photobook was produced in Mexico City and presented in the form of a Latin junk novel, with intentionally bad printing and cheesy design throughout.

'The worse the printing of a copy of Playas is, the better that copy of the book is!' - Martin Parr

Playas also features a text by Susie Parr.

“Each of these countries has a different approach to their beach life. If you are in Argentina’s largest resort, Mar de la Plata, you are very likely to be drinking ‘mate’, whereas elsewhere you will drink beer and coke. Should you be on the beach of Rio, you will most probably be wearing a very skimpy swimsuit whereas in Mexico’s Acapulco you will be bathing in a t-shirt. Despite these differences, all the beaches have something in common: wherever you are in Latin America you are very likely to have a great variety of food, drinks and souvenirs offered to you as you sunbathe. The constant trail of vendors creates a cast of great characters.” - Susie Parr