It is endemic to the western slopes of the Ecuadorian Andes[1][3][4] and known from a few localities in Pichincha, Imbabura, and Esmeraldas Provinces.

The tympanum is visible but the tympanic annulus is inconspicuous; the supratympanic fold is distinct.

[2] Hyloscirtus mashpi occur in riverine vegetation in primary tropical premontane and montane forests at elevations of 548–1,250 m (1,798–4,101 ft) above sea level.

[1] They are nocturnal and have been found perching on leaves and branches 30–400 cm above ground/stream level.

[1][2] Hyloscirtus mashpi can be locally abundant but its distribution is patchy and its declining in extent and quality – particularly in the northern part of its range where habitat loss is being driven by mining and dam construction.