The Ochre-fronted Antpitta is endemic to Peru where it is found in two small areas on the east slope of the Andes in the north of the country. See the distribution map at Birdlife International. It is found in the understorey of humid forest at between 1,850 and 2,400 metres.

Because of its restricted range and the habitat loss in at least part of that range it is classified as Endangered.

The song is a single whistled note given very 6 to 15 seconds.