It was created on October 8, 1908, during the presidency of Ismael Montes and is now one of four (until June 2009: three) municipalities of the province.

To the north and north east it is bordered by the Alonso de Ibáñez Province, to the east by the Charcas Province and the Chayanta Province, to the south and south west by the Uncía Municipality and to the west and north west by the Llallagua Municipality.

The municipality is divided into nine cantons: Chayanta Municipality lies in a mainly mountainous region with heights between 2,960 m and 4,364 m the highest mountain being Lawqi Q'asa in Paya Pampa.

Some of the highest elevations are Llachusaya (4,294 m), Lichusaya (4,254), Apillpiña (4,236 m), Qutani (4,126 m), Suritinisa (4,100 m), Apachita (4,023 m), Jirapampa (4,005 m), Chisi Raya (3,970 m), Marka Qullu (3,943 m) and Uyu Jisk'a Qala (3.885 m).

The 2001 census stated a population of 14,165 inhabitants in the Chayanta Municipality.