The existence of a volcano at Huaynaputina was not recognized before the 1600 eruption, with no known eruptions of Huaynaputina other than fumarolic activity. As a result, the 1600 eruption has been referred to as an instance of monogenetic volcanism. The pre-1600 topography of the volcano was described as "a low ridge in the center of a Sierra", and it is possible that a cluster of lava domes existed at the summit prior to the 1600 eruption and was blown away during the event.