Echeveria chiclensis (Ball) Berger and its forma backebergii (Poelln.) Kimn., taxa endemic to central Peru, are reviewed. The locations of all previous collections were revisited and ten new localities were found. After careful analysis of macro- and micro-morphological data, we conclude that there is evidence to support the recognition of two varieties of this species, vat. chiclensis and vat. backebergii. The most striking feature for distinguishing them is the presence of minute transparent papillae covering the entire leaf-surface of vat. backebergii. Some theories about their presence are also presented.