[1][3][4] It is endemic to west-central Ecuador and only known from Tanti (a farm, the type locality), near San Francisco de Las Pampas,[1][3][4] and from Mindo, Pichincha Province.

[1] Paruwrobates whymperi is named after Edward Whymper, who collected the holotype during his expedition to Ecuador in 1879–1880.

Frogs from Francisco de Las Pampas resemble the holotype and the original description, but until fresh material from the type locality are obtained, their true identity remains uncertain.

[6] Males measure 21–23 mm (0.83–0.91 in) in snout–vent length and have moderately robust body (adult females are unknown[6]).

[4][6] Its natural habitats are very humid premontane forests at elevations of 600–1,800 m (2,000–5,900 ft) above sea level.