It is found in southern Ecuador (both versants of the Andes) and northern Peru, in the Huancabamba Depression and south to Cajabamba Province.

[2][3][4] Hyloxalus elachyhistus shows considerable intraspecies variability, and it might represent more than one species.

There is a pale yellow to tan oblique lateral stripe, usually narrowly bordered by dark brown or black.

Its natural habitats are dry and humid lowland and premontane forests between elevations of 540 and 2760 meters above sea level..

Declines at high elevations have taken place even in suitable habitat and could be due to chytridiomycosis.