[citation needed] The ashy chinchilla rat is endemic to land at high elevations in southeastern Peru, southwestern Bolivia, northern Chile and northwestern Argentina.

[1] Ashy chinchilla rats live underground, with a group of up to six individuals occupying one burrow.

[citation needed] They are herbivores, so they eat seeds, fruit, and nuts, especially Thola spp.

They are sociable animals and make squeaking and grunting noises when they are scared or fighting, and gurgling sounds when grooming each other.

[citation needed] Ashy chinchilla rats are sometimes hunted for their pelts, which are sold in local markets, sometimes to tourists.