The town is located approximately 54 kilometers east of the state capital Chilpancingo.

Chilapa's first official charter was issued by the Aztec government in the 15th century after the area's conquest by Moctezuma I in 1458.

Chilapa is noted for its large Saturday tianguis, or Aztec market, and its crafts.

Every August 15, a festival called Tigrada is held on the streets of Chilapa.

It is linked to Mesoamerican mythology and is supposed to call on the Aztec god Tepēyōllōtl to bring rainfall and productive land.