It is endemic to Colombia and known from the Cordillera Central in the Caldas, Risaralda, Quindío, and Tolima Departments.

[3] The specific name simoterus is derived from Greek simos meaning "snub-nosed", in reference to the short snout of this species.

Males have yellow chin and reddish vocal sac, whereas females have rufous brown throat and venter.

[5] Pristimantis simoterus occurs in páramo and subpáramo vegetation and in cloud forests at elevations of 2,672–4,350 m (8,766–14,272 ft) above sea level.

[5] This species suffers from habitat loss caused by smallholder livestock grazing and cultivation of crops.