[blam]

"Is it possible that there is a linkage between Caral and the chain of cultures that progressed north into the American Southwest? "

Don't know specifically about Caral but, there are many who study in this area that think that a lot of 'things' flowed from south to north. (Instead of the other way)

[okie01]

"there are many who study in this area that think that a lot of 'things' flowed from south to north."

Haven't pre-Aztec trade goods, for example, been found as far north as Chaco Canyon?