| Document and Entity Information | Jan. 27, 2022 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Jan. 27, 2022 |
| Entity Registrant Name | GALECTO, INC. |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001800315 |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | true |
| Entity Ex Transition Period | false |
| Entity File Number | 001-39655 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 37-1957007 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 75 State Street |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 100 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Boston |
| Entity Address, State or Province | MA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 02109 |
| City Area Code | +45 |
| Local Phone Number | 70 70 52 10 |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, $0.00001 par value per share |
| Trading Symbol | GLTO |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
