I would still think twice though about going even if your friend talks Spanish. Don't speak any English out loud in public and don't go to bars. Its a third world country and kidnapping is very high. Word spreads fast when there's a grengo in the area. During my one month stay I witnessed two shoot outs and a few pick pockets.
Don't get me wrong last time I went I felt like a celebrity and the whole neighborhood came out to talk to me. I was only like 13 at the time and I had 25 year old girls hitting on me.
Just be careful and don't show off