It is derived from Quechuan paccha for "earth" and mama for "mother", and was chosen because some of the types were found under stones where travelers placed food, so as to ensure that Pachamama would grant them a safe journey.

The tympanum is dark brown, red, green, or gray, covered by the supra-tympanic fold in its upper part.

The fingers have no webbing and bear small discs, only slightly wider than the digits.

The dorsum is tan, red, gray, or green, and the majority of individuals have a darker inter-orbital bar.

[2] Gastrotheca pacchamama is a terrestrial species occurring in puna grasslands at an elevation of about 3,710 m (12,170 ft) asl.