Abstract: A process for treating heavy crude oil feedstocks to reduce the asphaltenes, metals and sulfur content thereof while maintaining a high conversion thereof comprising: subjecting the feedstock to an asphaltene separation stage and thereafter subjecting the deasphaltene crude to a first hydrotreatment stage employing a first macroporous catalyst so as to produce an intermediate partially demetallized and desulfurized product and thereafter treating said intermediate product in a second hydrotreatment stage using a microporous catalyst wherein the microporous catalyst exhibits extended life period.