Locally in south-eastern Peru (Cuzco and Madre de Dios), south-western Amazonian Brazil (Acre and Rondônia) and north-western Bolivia (Pando and northern La Paz).
 
Population
Estimated population is unknown (2010).
Bamboo Antshrike (Cymbilaimus sanctaemariae) [XC572302]
by Dante Buzzetti from Parque Estadual Chandless, Santa Rosa do Purus, Acre, Brazil (song)
Bamboo Antshrike (Cymbilaimus sanctaemariae) [XC536092]
by id from Purus River, Boca do Acre, State of Amazonas, Brazil (song)
Subspecies
Genus presumed related to Thamnophilus on basis of external morphology, especially the strongly hooked bill, but supporting molecular or other evidence unavailable. Previously treated as conspecific with Fasciated Antshrike (Cymbilaimus lineatus), but occurs sympatrically with that species.