The alleged historical Apo Mayta was a general and royal in the time the first emperor, Pachacuti. By some accounts, Apo Mayta preferred the ascension of Pachacuti, first known as Cusi Inca Yupanqui, over his brother, Inca Urchon, to succeed the king, then Viracocha Inca. The arrival of the Chanca host at the gates of Cusco sent the king and Inca Urchon in flight to the fortress at Calca. The defense of the capital was made by Cusi Inca Yupanqui, Apo Mayta, and other nobles who routed the mighty enemy. In time, greatness came to the hero Pachacuti and oblivion to the cowards at Calca.

Apo, meaning "He who goes forward", is a title bestowed upon a regional commander in Tahuantinsuyu. The Apos are also divinities of the mountain peaks. Mayta, which means "only one" and "He who advises and teaches with goodness", was a name of the supposed fourth king, Mayta Capac. Huacac is the name given to an ancestor of Pachacuti, the king Yahuar Huacac. As a boy, he was kidnapped and cried tears of blood so that he was known as Yahuar Huacac Inca, the "Blood-Crying Inca". Apo Mayta might be either his brother or son.