The municipality occupies an area of 121.3 km2, including rural, urban, suburban and protected land.

Baranoa was an indigenous settlement located close to Big Creek (Arroyo Grande) when the Spanish conquered it under the command of Don Pedro de Heredia in 1534.

As a consequence, 39 Spanish families made their home there, creating the Parish of Santa Ana of Baranoa.

On 23 October 1856, the municipality of Baranoa was created, based on the number of inhabitants and development level.

Economic activities are focused on cattle raising, corn, cassava, cotton and Jocote plum farming.