Aves de Peru describes the Jalca Tapaculo as endemic to two separated areas in Peru: Huánuco and Pasco in the north, and Junín farther south. Records include remaining dwarf-forest patches, rocky ground, shrubs and tall grass.
Adult males are mostly mouse-gray, with a pale eyebrow that varies from faint to clear. Females are browner overall; the rear half is reddish brown with black bars.
It has been recorded in remaining patches of dwarf forest, rocky terrain, low shrubs and tall grass. The account associates these habitats with its two Peruvian populations.
An extinction-risk assessment has not been added yet.