The intrinsic kinetics of hydrocatalytic conversion of the asphaltenic fraction from a Maya residue is reported. The kinetic study was carried out at high temperatures (375-415 degreesC) and hydrogen pressure, 12.5 MPa, in a perfectly mixed reactor in continuos operation. Asphaltenic fraction concentration data fit half-order removal kinetics, the activation energy being 41.5 kcal/ mel. The relationships existing between the deasphalting and important reactions which occur in the hydroprocessing (fraction over 343 degreesC conversion, desulfuration, denitrogenation, and demetalation) were studied.