Costa rica está situada en una zona privilegiada del planeta. sus atractivos y exuberantes escenarios naturales son un auténtico paraíso para los (1) . y es que, a pesar de (despite) su pequeño tamaño —el estado de

Sus atractivos y exuberantes escenarios naturales son un auténtico paraíso para los científicos.

Explanation:

In this exercise you have to complete the blanks with the correct word.

Statement number one says "Costa Rica is located in a privileged area of the planet. Its attractive places are an authentic paradise for scientists".

Scientists are really interested in Costa Rica because It has so many tropical places and many biology students travel to Costa Rica to work in the natural fields. There is also an organization called "The Organization for Tropical Studies" in which is known and recognized as an academic institution for biological studies.

So the missing word is "scientists".