According to legend, the origins of Tipón can be traced to one of the royal gardens that Viracocha, the supreme God of the Incas, ordered to be built. Since the language of the Incas was not a written one, it is impossible to know the exact meaning of the word. However, some believe the origin may come from the Quechua word Timpuj which means "to be boiling", and relates to the water flowing out of the fountains as though liquid was boiling. Others say Tipón could have been the Royal House of Yahuar Huaca, who retreated here after being defeated by the Chancas.