A real exodus takes place during the days previous to the ceremony. Mattresses, rugs, beds, clothes, food, as well as tables and chairs are taken to the site where the Nguillatun will take place. The aborigines from various areas gather together to ask god Futachao for progress and welfare.

The altar, called "Rehue", is formed by a row of reeds and a branch from the Maiten tree, which they consider sacred. Barrels with chicha (a beverage made from maize) and jars with Mudai (beverage made from pine kernel ferment) are placed there. Men and women wear their best garments. Horses have their best harnesses, usually in silver.

During the ceremony, strong young people dance the Loncomeo, imitating the ostrich's movements. They have no sacred images, but they do have sacred instruments: the cultrun, the trutruca and the pifilca, which are only used in religious ceremonies to announce the Nguenechen, which is always present.

During the three days the ceremony lasts, families sleep at grove huts specially prepared to that end. The meaning of prayers in all the Nguillatun ceremonies can be understood from the following Mapuche plea: "Today, knelt on the ground, I pray you God to give me a good sky. Today, knelt on the ground, I pray you God to give me a good harvest. Give me strength. Give me good pastures. Give me good thoughts. Give me life with all my family. Give me a good job. Give me long life".