[1][3] Rheobates palmatus has cryptic, brown or gray dorsal colouration and posteriorly granular skin texture.

[5] Rheobates palmatus is endemic to the Colombian Andes and is found on both sides of the Cordillera Oriental and on the eastern side of the Cordillera Central range at heights of 350 to 2,200 metres (1,150 to 7,220 ft) above sea level.

[6] As it has not been found higher than 2,500 metres (8,200 ft), it is effectively divided into three distinct populations as those on the two slopes of the Cordillera Oriental are separated by a continuous, high altitude ridge.

It has been found that the vocalisations of the males when seeking a mate varies between the different populations.

In the Rio Magdalena Valley it is also found in pasture land, crops and even polluted streams.