The mountain is the fourth highest peak in Los Nevados National Natural Park among those with a topographic prominence exceeding 300 meters.

[3][4] The mountain formerly had glaciers, which disappeared in the second half of the 20th century due to changing climatic conditions associated with global warming.

The mountain's alternative designation as "paramillo" (like paramo, a high-elevation area of sparse vegetation exposed to wind, rain, and cold) reflects this new reality, whereas the term "nevado" inaccurately implies continuous snow cover.

Botanist and naturalist Alexander von Humboldt visited the area in 1801, describing new species such as the frailejón.

A watercolor painting of the volcano by Manuel María Paz (1820–1902) is held by the National Library of Colombia.